Virtual Tour: The Fine Art Studios
If you’re thinking of doing an art degree, you will know that your studio space is of huge importance to your development as an artist. So, what are the Fine Art studio spaces at Goldsmiths are like?
Firstly, how is your space assigned? Well, here at Goldsmiths, you are assigned to a studio space at the beginning of the year and allowed to use it as you like from then on. In 1st year you are randomly assigned to a space but get the option to swap around if you are unhappy, however in 2nd and 3rd year you get to choose where your preferred space is through a form you are sent during the summer holiday.
A studio is usually within a cubicle or room, shared with 3-5 other students, and you are given plenty of space! You are allowed to use the space however you like throughout the year (within reason of course), depending on what kind of art you like to make. For example, digital artists often have a desk space and use the studios predominantly like an office, but painters might have a clearer space with the canvases they are working on stapled to their wall. Any way you like to use your space is accepted, as long as you are using it!
The studio buildings are open from 8am to 10pm every day, except for Sundays and bank holidays where the hours are slightly reduced. They are open during the half term breaks too, when they close for only 1 week out of 4. Unless you have other obligations, such as tutorials, critiques, or convenors, you are not required to be in the studio at any specific times. Because of this, it’s important that you manage your time well, keep organised, and keep motivated so you can make the best of the space!
At the end of the year after all of your assessments, you move out of your studio around mid-may. After this, the studios are completely cleared out and all of the cubicle walls are taken down, and the space is used for the 3rd year degree shows, which is actually a collaborative effort between all of the staff and students.
1) Laurie Grove Baths building (LGB)
Known as ‘the pools’ or ‘the baths’
This building is a definite student favourite, due to its amazing natural lighting from the skylight above the studios. As you can probably tell by the name, this building was originally built in the Victorian era as a bathhouse, then later repurposed as a swimming pool, and finally it ended up as our art studios! The studio cubicles are actually built over the top of where the pools used to be, which are just boarded over and can still be accessed by several trapdoors as they are used to store the electrics for the building. Once, I witnessed a performance art piece where a student actually climbed under there (with approval from the health and safety team of course) and livestreamed his act up to us as we sat above him on the floorboards. It was super cool and creative!
2) St. James Hatcham building (SJH)
Known as ‘the church’
This building used to be home to the St. James Hatcham Parish Church, which has now moved to a (much more boring looking) building next door. The top three floors, which were added on when the building was converted, are home to the art studio cubicles. All of the beautiful features of the building have been kept, including a great stained glass window, which constantly inspires many of us artists! The ground floor, which is seen as an empty space in these pictures, is often used by students to put on amazing exhibitions, open mics, auctions, and other events throughout the year.
3) Ben Pimlott building (BPB)
Although the BPB looks like the most boring building from the outside, it is my personal favourite! You may recognise it from a lot of Goldsmiths’ promotional material, as the ‘squiggle’ sculpture is quite iconic. If Goldsmiths were to have a Hollywood sign equivalent, this would be it!
This is where my studio is also, as you can see I love to really utilise my space by hanging up all of my work across the wall so that I am always inspired while I work. I love the huge windows next to my space, as I always have lots of natural light during the day, and I have a beautiful view over the London skyline. When I’m feeling stuck in my practice, I can sit here and think for hours, while I people-watch the streets below and watch the clouds go by.