Vendelmans Opens Seaside Viewing Room in Margate

While the art world often slows down in the summer, the seaside town of Margate in southeast England thrives with holidaymakers and fresh artistic ventures. This month sees the opening of a new gem across from Dreamland amusement park, towering above the beach from the 14th floor of the 1963 Brutalist tower block, Arlington House.

It is the initiative of gallerist and art dealer Mattias Vendelmans, who recently closed his eponymous Conduit Street gallery in London to focus on presenting exhibitions at the new Margate viewing room as well as at various London venues.

Located on the town’s seafront, Vendelmans’ new space offers spectacular views of the sea and skies that have inspired artists like J. M. W. Turner, who portrayed views from Margate Harbour in several paintings.

The inaugural exhibition Desire displays together for the first time works by French photographer Laure Albin-Guillot and Swedish painter Eugène Jansson. Albin-Guillot’s female nudes and Jansson’s male counterparts explore the duality of artist and subject, as well as the desire to be seen and understood.

The interior fitout—with dark plywood, exposed concrete, and large windows—elevates the allure of the exhibition. Jansson’s charcoal studies harmonise with the warm wood tones, while Albin-Guillot’s black-and-white photographs, framed with thick white borders, contrast against the textured grey walls.

Desire is on view by appointment at Vendelmans, Margate, until 15 September 2024.