Studio Voltaire

Studio Voltaire was founded in 1994 by a collective of twelve artists, who set up a studio space in a disused tram shed on Voltaire Road, Clapham. In 1999 the organisation moved to its current location on Nelsons Row, becoming a registered charity in 2001. The move to a larger site enabled us to expand our provision of affordable studios and offer... a dedicated gallery space in a Victorian former chapel. It's a unique resource for the local community, and has grown into one of the most innovative and respected not-for-profits in the country. From the beginning, our belief has been in giving exposure to underrepresented artists, allowing Studio Voltaire to offer an alternative and agenda-setting view of contemporary art. Many of our shows are an artists first solo exhibition in London, and we invest in the production of work that might not always be possible in commercial galleries or institutions, giving artists the chance to expand their practice. Our programme is intergenerational, supporting both emerging artists and those who have been underrepresented in their career but deserve a champion. This unique way of working allows us to develop long-term relationships with artists, often working together on multiple occasions. Studio Voltaire's gallery space is defined by a dramatic vaulted ceiling and is flooded with natural light, providing a dynamic space to work in that is very unusual in London. Previous exhibited artists include Nairy Baghramian, Phyllida Barlow, Simon Bedwell, Nicholas Byrne, Marvin Gaye Chetwynd, Chris Evans, Thea Djordjadze, Liam Gillick, Anthea Hamilton, Emma Hedditch, Intoart, Dawn Mellor, Henrik Olesen, Elizabeth Price, Jo Spence, Joanne Tatham & Tom O'Sullivan, Donald Urquhart, Lawrence Weiner and Cathy Wilkes. Alongside exhibitions, our ambitious calendar includes live events, offsite projects, commissions and an educational programme. Meanwhile our studios currently house over 45 London based artists, ranging from internationally recognised practitioners to recent graduates and ...Read More