A TINY art gallery with big intentions has opened in an old public toilet.
Movement, a brand new not-for-profit arts space on Platform Two of Worcester Foregate Street train station, was due to open officially today.
The small contemporary gallery, just 5m (16.4ft) by 3m (9.8ft), was once a public toilet, but has been transformed by Worcester-based art body Yoke & Zoom, run by husband and wife Alex Johnson and Nina Coulson.
The couple secured a long-term peppercorn lease from Network Rail and train operator London Midland and plan to show and commission work by international artists.
The inaugural exhibition, entitled The Ultimate Painting, features 11 works by New York-based Jacob Feige and a short film by Gene Bernofsky.
“We’re really excited to be finally opening after four years,” said Miss Coulson. “We’re hoping that people who maybe wouldn’t go into an art gallery can enjoy the space and it’ll give people something to do when they are waiting for trains.”
The renovation was made possible with the support of the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACORP), Network Rail and London Midland with funding from the Railways Heritage Trust and Arts Council England.
The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Mike Layland, cut the ribbon yesterday and recalled his days as a British Rail employee.
“I know it has amused Nina to think that when I was working here I used this building for...other reasons,” he said.
The gallery is open noon to 6pm Thursday to Saturday and by appointment. There will be at least four shows a year. The Ultimate Painting runs until November 6. See movementtimetable.com or call 07590075185.
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