It was a grey facade on Vyner Street that first caught my eye. It’s not often you see a building with such a strong presence in this bustling part of London. But there it was, the Wilkinson Gallery, standing tall like a determined sentinel, guarding secrets hidden within its walls. The gallery’s origins are a testament to its indomitable spirit. Founded in 1998, by Amanda and Anthony Wilkinson, it quickly became a hub for contemporary art, not just in London but across the globe. The Wilkinsons had a vision to showcase emerging artists, giving them a platform to experiment and push boundaries. They had a knack for spotting talent and nurturing it. The gallery became known for discovering and championing artists like George Shaw, who later received a prestigious nomination for the Turner Prize. In fact, their early embrace of artists like him helped shape the East End art scene into what it is today.
The Wilkinson Gallery was a pioneer in many ways. They were one of the first to recognize the importance of video art with the Video Project Space. It existed in the basement, highlighting the work of historical video artists spanning over three years. This space became a focal point for those interested in avant-garde storytelling through film. In 2004, they hosted the first London solo exhibition by Joan Jonas, setting the stage for many other prominent female artists. But it wasn’t just women artists who were a priority. They also championed the Estates of Jimmy De Sana and Derek Jarman, establishing their reputation as an innovative and forward-thinking gallery, always pushing boundaries.
The Wilkinson Gallery was a testament to the relentless creative spirit of the Wilkinsons, who always sought a bigger canvas. In 2007 they moved to a new location on Vyner Street, where they created a striking new building housing two museum-sized galleries and an additional project space. It was a bold move, taking a space and redesigning, rebuilding it from the ground up to create a dynamic and inspiring environment. It became a testament to their dedication to creating unique, engaging spaces tailored to the needs of the artists they represent. As the gallery grew and expanded their influence, the Wilkinsons remained dedicated to their core vision: supporting artists and promoting a diverse range of contemporary art for all.