Our Story
Jenny and Jim
We’ve lived in Walthamstow for over 15 years and had always talked about doing something useful with the dusty, damp garage space beneath our house. Alongside many of our neighbours, we’ve participated in the local art trail many times, and we like living in an area where people value creativity. When lockdown came, we decided to finally sort out the garage, with the idea of creating a free exhibition and event space.
Helped out by a range of local businesses and crafts people, we renovated the space in early 2022. We very much wanted to make it a space rooted in the local community: Jamie the builder and his team, and Chris the architect all have strong Walthamstow connections. The kitchen units are from Milk in the Ravenswood industrial estate in Walthamstow village; our logo was designed by friend and neighbour, Jim Cheatle; the beautiful wooden bench was made by Gavin Coyle on Boundary Road; and the website was designed by another friend and neighbour, Ashley Kelly.
Neither of us are artists but we like to explore culture of all kinds, including music, film, theatre and exhibitions. We wanted to create a space which would be welcoming and open to new ideas, and be a platform for people who want to hold an exhibition, but don't necessarily have many connections or opportunities to do so.
Do get in touch if you’d like to find out more, or talk about any ideas you may have for a show - we are always available for a discussion.
Jenny and Jim
Friends of Garage Gallery E17
Smith and Newton Architects
Milk Furniture
Jamie Green
Gavin Coyle
Ashley Kelly
Jim Cheatle
Jonathan O Dea
Artillery
Little Mandarin
Pillars Brewery
Wildcard Brewery
Nick at Besborough News Agents
All our neighbours