A film maker and former Siouxsie and the Banshees guitarist is asking for your memories of Wimbledon Library for a new video project ahead of a transformation.
Jon Klein, pictured below, is compiling a video project ahead of the launch of the Merton Arts Space in Wimbledon Library this summer.
The back section of the library is being transformed into a performance and arts space which will host theatre, live music and events in the evenings.
The first of the events are happening this month, with an exciting opening event planned in conjunction with Wimbledon BookFest on Thursday, 26 September. Wimbledon author Jessie Burton, who wrote acclaimed novel The Miniaturist, will be in conversation with journalist Jennifer Cox.
Jon is calling for people who remember the space at the back of Wimbledon Library in its former guise as St Mark’s Hall and Marlborough Hall to come forward.
Historically the building had been used for community performances, and the proscenium arch still remains today.
It was built in 1899 as a church house and was home to St Mark’s Sunday School before it was sold to the Sydney Black Charitable Trust in 1950 to be used for youth work. It was re-named Marlborough Hall.
Arts Council England awarded the council a £62,000 grant to refurbish the space. During the day there will be more space available for people to study in.
By night it will be transformed into a flexible space for performance suitable for seating 250 people or with standing room for 300. It will have a professional lighting rig, sound system and moveable stage.
To submit your memories, email Merton.ArtSpace@merton.gov.uk or speak to a member of staff at Wimbledon Library by September 1.
Cabinet Member for Community and Culture, Councillor Nick Draper said: “I am so lucky to be the member for both Merton’s Libraries and its Arts Development team. The Merton Arts Space is a fantastic transformative venture, just what Merton needs, and it shows how imaginative and energetic our officers are, even with ever-shrinking budgets. Thank you Arts Council, and thank you Merton staff, the borough is proud of you.”
Notes for editors
For a list of events at the Merton Arts Space, visit the website www.merton.gov.uk/artsspace
Archive images of the library are available on the Merton Memories section of this website.
Here are a few of the events happening this month:
Learn how to DJ with Club Soda at Merton Arts Space, Workshops run from July 18 -22, for adults with learning disabilities. Places are free but very limited so please book a place by emailing info@clubsoda.org.uk
Club Soda Finale concert: Saturday 23 July, 7pm-11pm. A multimedia cabaret run by adults with learning disabilities, including DIY Music, wild dancing, crazy poetry, performance art, and digital graffiti. Free, no booking required.
Free Indian classical music workshops, focusing on Saudha’s techniques of communicating Indian Classical music through poetry and other art forms. Find out more www.merton.gov.uk/artsspace
Tickets for Wimbledon BookFest’s event https://www.wimbledonbookfest.org/Events/2016Events/JessieBurton.aspx