Kay Ayed listens to a lament for Leytonstone’s 491 Gallery.
Friday 15th April was a sad day in the artistic history of Leytonstone. One of the area’s oldest buildings, home of the 491 Gallery, was demolished to make way for something more in tune with the gentrification of the area. A group of Leytonstoners discussed the event on the Facebook page Leytonstone Life. Many were most unhappy to see it go.
“RIP to the best community space in Leytonstone. This place was amazing from the very start and its demolition is a sad day indeed. Had so many good times there as the 491 Gallery, met my best friend Fouzia there, saw my favourite band Lamb there, gosh my kids even went there from when they were little, my oldest ended up running a film club there. Rest in peace 491 & all who entered there, a sad day indeed,” lamented Jane Brueseke.
Hilary Do gave us some background “This building was a survivor of the road protests of the 1990’s. It was abandoned after the road cut Leytonstone in half. It was very responsibly squatted by artists over many years, and it was home to many interesting people but eventually the inevitable developers took over and now it will be a bland, expensive set of flats that will offer nothing alternative to the area. Lots used to happen there, and it will be fondly remembered by many!”
But not everyone mourned the loss. “Thank God. I hope they get rid of that awful pizza kebab place next door too. Rip it down! It’s a waste of space and a breeding ground for rats. Artistic squatters are one thing but it needed a bit of attention,” said Leon Saunders.
Rob Voodoo conjured up an inspiring picture of what was achieved on the premises: “Twelve years as a totally volunteer led and funded, unplanned creative hub, creation and performance space. Almost 15 years and counting as a home to a galaxy of crazy, amazing characters. September 2001, me aged just 19, Gregory Scott-Gurner and I got started on a project we thought would last a handful of weeks but ended up changing hundreds of people’s lives permanently. Home, school, church, rehab, hospital, studio, cat farm, gallery, nightclub and sometimes sadly even hospice, 491 served so many roles to so many people. More than anything else it was a sanctuary for the weird and social glue. You knew you’d see them down the gallery some time this year. So many friendships have drifted without it. Now it’s being dismantled i just hope people will find the next space to be free in. RIP once again 491 Galleon and salute all who sailed in her.”