Somerset House celebrated 25 years as an art venue last weekend with its ‘Step Inside 25’ event, a two-day festival consisting of free exhibitions, performances, and workshops.
The event featured an immense sculpture by Turner Prize-winning artist Tai Shani as well as a family-friendly drawing workshop inspired by the Peanuts comics, to celebrate the iconic beagle Snoopy’s own 75th birthday.
It also saw the renowned Westminster institution open up its artist studios to the public for the first time.
Jess, 23, a visitor to the event, said she appreciated how the layout of galleries gave artists the opportunity to have their own space.
She said: “It’s a very big place and it was nice that they spaced out the artworks so that guests could really take in each section.
“Somerset House is also just a really interesting place to have those exhibitions.
“With the way it’s set out and the way that it has lots of different nooks and crannies, it’s nice to not know what to expect when you go into the next room.”
One of the highlights of the festival was The 419, a hybrid poetry and photography exhibition by Inua Ellams and Oluwamuyiwa “Logor” Logo, which playfully reflected on some of the ways in which money changes hands and influences the actions of ordinary people in Lagos, Nigeria.
Another standout piece was ‘Farin: Foreign’ by Tyreis Holder, an intricate textile artwork about healing and heritage whose bright colours and Madras patterns made a striking contrast with the gallery’s plain cream walls.
Jonathan Reekie, Director of Somerset House, said: “Somerset House is much loved as a London cultural space and it has also become a home to many of the UK’s best creatives: a powerhouse for the next generation of talent.
“The Step Inside weekend is a rare opportunity for the public to explore the hidden corners of our historic site and experience the incredible work made here.”
‘Step Inside 25’ was one of a series of projects that Somerset House took on this year to mark the anniversary.
One other notable project is Talent 25, a scheme led by interdisciplinary artist, Yinka Ilori, to provide bursaries and professional support to five ‘innovative’ developing artists.
The work of the Talent 25 recipients could be found on display at ‘Step Inside 25’.
All images credited to Maya Sgaravato-Grant
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