The Covid Diaries 69 - Fulham Town Hall, Art in the Age of Now

A review of Art In The Age Of Now, an artistic takeover of the empty Fulham Town Hall building. In which I wish there were more creative spaces like this in London.

Fulham Town Hall. Art In The Age Of Wow, More Like It

If you ignore all of my other advice, I would urge you to get along to see this takeover if you can. Art in the Age of Now is a collaboration between Art Below (who do exhibitions in London Underground), and hotel operator Lamington Group. It takes place in Fulham Town Hall, which has stood empty for over a decade despite being right in the heart of Fulham town centre. This is a chance to see the Town Hall in a derelict state before it’s converted into a hotel. And also a chance to wander around an immense space exploring art and architecture. I would love nothing more than to be able to go to this type of exhibition/takeover more often, but sadly this kind of space and opportunity are fairly rare.

Like our recent street art walk, today’s post is much more about the art and images than me waffling on. So I’m going to tell you some things I loved about it, and let you enjoy taking a look.

1. The Glamorous Architecture Of Fulham Town Hall

I loved seeing the entirety of Fulham Town Hall, far more than would ever have been publicly accessible during its active days. There are fabulous details – tilework, stained glass, moulded ceilings, wrought iron. It is such a great backdrop to the artworks.

2. Total Art Takeover

The artists whose work is on display as part of Art In The Age Of Now have been given free reign. Their art is not just on the walls, it’s on the walls. And the ceilings, and the floors, and the staircases. It feels kind of like being in an artistic squat.

3. Joe Rush

A special shout out to Joe Rush, whose works in the Fulham Town Hall’s Ballroom and adjacent rooms I loved (images below). Rush creates whimsical characters from found materials. I never knew a coffee pot or spare engine parts could have such personality. Rush is a long-time Glastonbury collaborator and founder of Mutoid Waste Company. His ‘fossils’ made from spanners, bike chains and other objects were perhaps my favourite thing in the whole exhibition.

4. Immense Creativity

There is so much to see. Paintings, sculptures, installations, a whole range of styles, explicit content, riffs on popular culture… Something for everyone!