The Bernie Grant Arts Centre first opened to the public in Autumn 2007 and bears the name of Tottenham’s late legendary black MP Bernie Grant (1944–2000), whose vision for a fairer Britain and a fairer world inspired him to embark on creating the complex. Bernie was a huge supporter of the arts, recognising the critical role that they could play in tackling structural inequality and promoting positive social change. If they were to do so however, Bernie felt that the arts community and the arts establishment in particular, needed to be more reflective of the communities that they aimed to serve.
Building on the concrete and hard wood materiality of the Bernie Grants Arts Centre designed by architect David Adjaye 10 years ago, Morag Myerscough has introduced new layers of texture and colour to invigorate a space that had become tired over time. She has been done so by using reclaimed materials, making bespoke textiles and ceramic tiles, making new and changing old furniture, adding a huge amount of houseplants and adding colour to the walls. She has also created additional spaces for artists to add in their own additional layers and textures as part of a planned commissioning programme over the next few years.
Café/bar of the Bernie Grant Arts Centre, London
Program: redesign
Design: Morag Myerscough with Luke Morgan and Yemi Awosile
Year: 2017