Getting To Know You is a project featuring some of the artists who are based at The Lakeside Centre in Thamesmead. Amanda had recently taken on a shared studio space at Lakeside when the idea came to her: Getting To Know You would be an opportunity to meet more of her fellow artists, and a chance for the local community to discover more about what happens inside this local landmark. The project culminated in an exhibition and publication which was held in September 2023, and coincided with the london-wide annual event of Open Houses. Amanda was awarded a grant from Thamesmead Community Fund, which enabled her to create this series of portraits.
The zine which coincided with this exhibition, can be purchased at a cost of £5 including postage within the UK. As well as pictures and biographies of the artists photographed, Amanda took pictures of the building itself, as seen in the installation image below.
The Lakeside Centre is an iconic 1960s brutalist building that has been transformed into a cultural hub. An important local landmark which was once a bar, an event hall and a nightclub. The building was disused until Bow Arts, with the support of Peabody Housing Association took on the ambitious project of refurbishing it with the aim of providing opportunities and support for creative people in the area and the wider community. The building now has thirty-eight creative workspaces, alongside other amenities. It has an exhibition space, and a wonderful roof terrace which offers enviable views across Southmere Lake. The area’s famous skyline was once the backdrop for films such as A Clockwork Orange and the TV series Misfits.
Lakeside Open Studios will coincide again with Open Houses this year, and will take place on Saturday 21st September. You will find me in my studio space. Come say hello!
