Van Gogh House, also known as 87 Hackford Road, is a historic building in Stockwell with a rich history to share and numerous exhibitions to offer. This Grade II listed Georgian building gained its name from the famous painter Vincent Van Gogh, who resided there for a year in 1873-1874 while working as an art dealer in Covent Garden.
Thanks to the efforts of Paul Chalcroft, a postman from Stockwell, the address of Van Gogh House was rediscovered after being lost to history for many years. The house was later purchased at an auction for £575,000 by James Wang, a Chinese violinist, businessman, and art enthusiast, in 2012.
Following a seven-year restoration project, completed in 2019, 87 Hackford Road has been transformed into a hub of contemporary art. The house now showcases 200 artefacts discovered during the restoration process, adding to its charm and historical significance.
Van Gogh House is open for guided tours on the last weekend of each month, offers live-in residencies during the spring and summer, and hosts an annual exhibition and events program in the autumn. Currently, the venue is hosting an exhibition titled “Cycles,” featuring works by three female artists inspired by the house and its surroundings.
One of the artists, Inés Cámara Leret, has created sculptures using paper derived from pine trees and pine sap, exploring natural landscapes. Clara Hastrup’s works in the exhibition consist of absurd arrangements made from everyday materials, while Vibeke Mascini’s installation connects the outdoor environment with the interior of the house through a unique system controlled by wind measurements.
Mascini’s work also delves into the history of the building, tracing its wiring layouts and highlighting the interconnected conditions that make up the structure. By installing binoculars and opera viewers in the walls, she invites visitors to look beyond the surface and appreciate the delicate balance of the house’s existence.
If you’re interested in exploring the hidden stories of Van Gogh’s year in Brixton, make sure to visit 87 Hackford Road. Guided tours and exhibition tickets can be purchased through the official website, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in art and history at this iconic location.
