Exhibition in Balfron Tower and New Portraits
Connected by a shared interest in the history and legacy of Balfron Tower, Alan McFetridge, Sinead Bligh, James Lander and those who wish to remain anonymous present Flat 15 and Flat 12 of Erno Goldfinger ís iconic high rise building.
It is within this unique situation and space that McFetridge, Bligh, Lander and those who wish to remain anonymous come together to explore the specific context of Balfron Tower as both a community, and site of social concern and consequential displacement. The artists consider the importance of who has inhabited the building, who is present in the spaces now, and who will utilise this environment in the future.
Through a combined presentation, the artists prompt an open discussion of the social, political, economic and personal implications of displacement and presence within this particular site and community. Inhabiting two vacated flats that though mirrored, imply visibly different histories, their interventions open up a space for interaction, discussion and consideration located at the heart of Balfron Tower itself.
Completed in 1967 in Poplar, East London, the 26 storey Modernist structure of Balfron Tower consists of 136 flats and 10 maisonettes designated for habitation by social housing tenants. After being granted Grade II listing in March 1996, ownership was transferred from Tower Hamlets Council to Poplar HARCA Housing Association in 2007 when the building was designated for extensive refurbishment indicating the beginning of the gradual rehousing of an historic community. In the intervening years Bow Arts Trust has provided work/live spaces for artists at Balfron Tower and managed education, environmental and cultural work in the local community. In 2014 the few remaining residents, and temporary community of artists and property guardians who have inhabited the Balfron Tower over the past 4 four years will depart in order to make way for the imminent refurbishment of this iconic building.
For further information and press enquiries please contact Harriet Cooper harrietcooper@btinternet.com High resolution images available on request.
Agnieszka Budlewska, Finance Analyst; Rosey Povey, Communications Assistant; James Lane, Chargehand caretaker; Renee Berkhout, Charity Sector & Explorer; Alex Smith, Artist, James Lander and those who wish to remain anonymous, Artist Alan McFetridge, Photographer; Alex Neumayer, Artist; Kimberly McIntosh, Student; Filipa Guimaraes, Artist; Peter Hose, Communications Intern; Darius Smitas, Caretaker.
Erno Goldfinger's concept of Streets in the Air is represented in this block of 12 portraits of people that are either living or directly associated with the tower in 2014. The background colours are based on the coloured tiles used on each Street.
Left to Right:Erno Goldfinger's concept of Streets in the Air is represented in this block of 12 portraits of people that are either living or directly associated with the tower in 2014. The background colours are based on the coloured tiles used on each Street.
Left to Right:
New Photography | Exhibitions | Assignments
James Lander and Izabela Szczepanska, 2014
Portraits with a range of people associated with the Balfron Tower. A 27 storey residential social housing building in Poplar, London. Designed by architect Erno Goldfinger in 1963, the building was then Grade II listing in 1996. With plans to restore the tower in place, council and leaseholder residents are decanted out and short term "licence to occupy" guardians move in to hold an affordable yet unsteady fort. In heartland East End and moments from Canary Wharf, without rent protection the neighbourhood's community are rightfully cautious and already exposed to unwanted change due to the capitals growing housing market.
Alan moved into Balfron Tower October 2013 and continues working on the project.
Fuck, 2010. 90cm x 98.5cm. Giclee print on archival paper Edition of 9 ( by Alan & Gretchen )
Images from a busy and fun 8 day shoot with Ron Berry, TIm White, Andrea Rosenfeld and Ginnie Assenza from RPA and an amazing crew from Los Angeles. Retouching by Recom Farmhouse, production by and shot in the Greater Los Angeles area.
2014 Toyota Yaris for Saatchi & Saatchi London
This is the final image of four from a vibrant and colour commission by Saatchi & Saatchi and Toyota. We worked with Mark Norcutt and Matt Hearn to Art Direct then merge the photographic and CG elements together, producing colour rich images for 3 models. Retouching & CGI by Recom Farmhouse.