#rodneyarcher

[the-furrealist]

Sadly, implausibly, Rodney Archer of 31 Fournier Street is no longer with us. To say he will be missed is an understatement; he’s adored and treasured in the Spitalfields community, and inspired us all with his quick wit, knowingly arch mannerisms, and staunch values. He shone with the spark of someone who sees twilight falling and is excited for the dawn. His typical day seemed magical; a toke in the afternoon, some collage and/or writing, phone calls to friends, then dinner and the theatre or cinema or an opening in the evening. I last saw him when I handed over this commission in his back garden. He ran rings around me with his smart quips and tender kindness, as always. Say hi to Oscar and Garbo from me, Rodders. x

[31fournierstreet]

This enormous painting has stood in the hallway at Number 31 for years. Yesterday it was lifted into a van and returned to the artist after Rodney finally accepted it’s just too big for a 3-foot-wide hallway!

I’ve edged past this looming canvas a hundred times, but this is the first time I’ve been able to stand back and actually see it in its full glory. And vacuum behind it.

[31fournierstreet]

                  TREVOR NEWTON AT 31 FOURNIER STREET

Topographical artist, curio- and book dealer Trevor Newton and Rodney Archer got to know each over a number of years as friendly rivals at the antique stalls of Spitalfields Market. It was when Rodney asked Trevor to appraise a number of his books for sale that the two developed the idea of opening the first floor of 31 Fournier Street as an occasional but ongoing venue for exhibitions and other cultural events. The aim is to assemble and curate exhibitions which will benefit from a intimate setting where the attention can be focussed on smaller works and enable a closer perusal than is possible in other more open contemporary gallery spaces. In summer, the hidden walled garden at the rear of the house will also be brought into play for gathering, conversing and general mingling.

While Rodney Archer's role will be that of the 'Genius Loci', the creator and 'onlie begetter' presiding over a richly fascinating interior environment which has become a work of art in itself. Trevor, with the help of fellow-artist Edward Firth, will act as Master of Ceremonies, assembling, curating and presenting exhibitions and events at Number 31. The three will also collaborate on publishing illustrated catalogues and books related to the various shows.

2014 will see a series of intriguing artistic events taking place at number 31. The first, in May, will be an informal Retrospective selling exhibition of Trevor Newton's topographical drawings and paintings to mark the tenth anniversary of his association with dealer Nicholas Bowlby.

Read about Rodney Archer, Aesthete, here.

Photography by Jay Morthland.