THE LIVING HOUSE

14 Sep-17 Dec 2023

Overview

Van Gogh House presents The Living House, celebrating 150 years since Van Gogh lived in London with a dynamic group exhibition and events programme in his old boarding house.

The Living House celebrates 150 years since Van Gogh lived in South London with a dynamic group exhibition and events programme exploring the idea that his boarding house is still alive and inhabited.

Artists Do Ho Suh, Olivia Plender, Eva Gold and Godai Sahara situate their work amongst the objects and rooms within Van Gogh House’s collection, from newspapers and children’s toys to the bathroom, garden, or beds. Seeing the house as an active collaborator, the works will be in conversation with the building to draw out questions around how art and ways of living are entwined.

September 2023 marks 150 years since the first letter that Van Gogh wrote from 87 Hackford Road, and 200 years that the house has stood.

Visitors who would like a more in-depth introduction will be able to take a guided tour of the house, which situates Van Gogh’s time in London, examining the city’s politics, material culture and fabric through the House.

The exhibition sits alongside an events series from major Van Gogh academics and experts, including Griselda Pollock, Martin Bailey, Iain Sinclair, Kate Bryan, and workshops from The London Drawing Group and Tool/Toy Project.