East Road Gallery

An existing corner retail unit in Hoxton has been redesigned to accommodate a new gallery, Tabula Rasa, and accompanying book store, Hoxton Books. The square gallery sits at the centre of the plan, flanked by the book store on one side and a back of house area of workspace, storage, kitchenette, and shower room to the other.

On entering, visitors have an immediate view of the primary display wall, with glimpsed views towards the triangular bookshop beyond. We sought to maintain a connection to the street, rather than make the gallery a concealed, windowless box. A combination of overhangs and the gallery’s orientation prevent sunlight reaching the art work, yet the large windows allow plenty of diffuse daylight to enter the space. Track lights above, and their exposed circuits, create a subtle additional textural layer and allow for light levels and direction to be tweaked freely.