Inspired by east London’s rich history of weaving and textile design, the living artwork is a permanent installation in the central courtyard of DACS’ office in Bethnal Green, London. It will be open to the public during events at the office.
Celebrating east London’s rich cultural history
Turner Prize-nominated Anya Gallaccio
– a member of DACS – is known for her use of organic and ephemeral materials, creating art that transforms and changes with its environment.
Her commission for DACS’ courtyard sees her create a permanent outdoor installation made from ferns and plants, in collaboration with Chelsea Flower Show award-winning landscape architects, del Buono Gazerwitz. It follows previous artworks such as 1999’s
Glaschu – a low-lying carpet of grass and other small plants laid out in a formal pattern in the grand Victorian hall of Lanarkshire House, Glasgow.
The design is inspired by an 18
th century pattern on silk by Anna Maria Garthwaite, referencing the unique traditions of textile weaving and creativity in east London. Bethnal Green and Spitalfields have been home to generations of weavers and textile producers from the 18
th century Huguenots to 21
st century sari shops and textile manufacturers. More recently, it has become home to a multitude of architects, designers and artists – who together have helped the area become one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural quarters.
Plan your visit
The work will be open to the public during events at DACS, as well as events run by
DACS Foundation, as part of its on-going programme of artist talks, panel discussions and workshops.
For information about upcoming events, visit
our Events page and
DACS Foundation’s website, or
subscribe to our mailing list.
Find out more
As part of a drinks reception to launch the commission, DACS Foundation programmed an in-conversation with Anya Gallaccio, del Buono Gazerwitz, and BBC presenter and art historian, Dan Cruickshank.
Listen online:
Watch a time-lapse video showing the installation of the work:
Learn more about the commission
Image: Artwork by Anya Gallaccio and del Buono Gazerwitz © Anya Gallaccio and del Buono Gazerwitz, 2016. Photo © Brian Benson, 2016.