Celebrating 135 Years of the South London Gallery | Christie's

Why It Matters

The partnership provides the financial foundation needed for critical building repairs and future programming, ensuring the gallery’s historic venue and free‑access mission endure for the next generation of artists and audiences.

Key Takeaways

• South London Gallery marks 135 years and director’s 25th year.
• Christie’s partnership funds vital building repairs and future planning.
• Artists like Gormley, Emin, Shaw donate works for exhibition.
• Alvaro Barrington’s first UK institutional show featured, reworked from Tate.
• Exhibition showcases diverse media, emphasizing materiality and luminous techniques.

Summary

The South London Gallery commemorated its 135th anniversary with a special fundraising exhibition, "Forever," staged in partnership with Christie’s. The event also coincided with director Paul Cox’s 25th year at the helm, underscoring the institution’s longevity and evolving mission to remain free and open to all.

The collaboration with Christie’s is designed to generate critical capital for essential repairs to the Victorian building and its gardens, while also giving the gallery a financial runway for future programming. Over 30 artists contributed works at no cost, including high‑profile names such as Anthony Gormley, Tracey Emin and Raqib Shaw, signaling strong sector support.

Highlights included Alvaro Barrington’s first UK institutional show, a reworked piece originally displayed at the Tate, and Christina Quarles’s luminous painting on suede matte board that captures dream‑like figures. Veteran painter Frank Bowling also featured, demonstrating his ongoing investigation of paint’s materiality.

By securing funds and attracting marquee talent, the exhibition positions the South London Gallery to preserve its historic premises, expand its curatorial ambitions, and reinforce its role as a community‑focused cultural hub in London’s art ecosystem.

Original Description

For 135 years, the South London Gallery has remained free and open to all.

SLG Forever, a collaboration between South London Gallery and Christie’s, brings together works donated by leading artists to help secure that future.

In this film, we hear from Director Margot Heller and explore highlights from the exhibition, including works by Alvaro Barrington, Christina Kimeze and Frank Bowling — artists coming together in support of one of London’s most vital public art spaces.

Discover how SLG Forever celebrates the gallery’s legacy while looking ahead to its next chapter.

📅 SLG Forever | London | 5–24 June | Online