Gilbert and George (no surnames required) are a legend in London’s east end. Having graduated from St Martin’s school of art in the 60s, they have lived in Fournier Street, Spitalfields, East London since 1968 in a restored 18th-century house. They dress formally in matching but different coloured suits and are frequently seen walking around the area where they get their inspiration.
In April 2023, they opened The Gilbert and George Centre in nearby Heneage Street, next door to the Pride of Spitalfields pub.
Rather regal, green wrought iron gates lead along a cobbled path, with newly planted borders to the former industrial building. There are three floors, a lift and toilets. The individual rooms and light and bright with high ceilings and contain the works from their recent series, Paradisical Pictures.
They are huge, stunning, colourful and designed to look like stained glass windows. The artists feature in them, and whilst they’re hard to understand, they are impressive.
At the entrance, there is a small display of books, plates and other objects featuring their work.
In a small film room just outside a 15 minute film shows on a loop with their being interviewed which tells more of their life and older works.
With free entrance, it is definitely worth visiting if you’re in the area.
