Not My Beautiful House celebrates opening in Kingston's historic Ancient Marketplace with exhibition and performances celebrating diverse creativity

Posted Thursday 9 June 2022

After a year of exhibitions, events, and, having sold work from more than 350 local creatives, Not My Beautiful House has celebrated moving into the iconic Grade II listed Ancient Market House in the historic centre of Kingston with an exhibition featuring artwork, music and performances.

The Not My Beautiful House community led shop, gallery and events initiative will continue to support 150 local businesses in the new market location, as part of the borough's High Street regeneration programme. The initiative is led by Union of Kingston Students and supported by Studio KT1, a creative agency powered by Kingston University students,

A new exhibition celebrating the location move features 70 new artists from a wide range of backgrounds, featuring a wide range of creative expression –from limited edition prints and one off paintings to jewelry and manga. The event highlighted the latest work from the artists as well as a bar, a DJ and live performances.

Ellie Redman, a third year architecture student, works at Not My Beautiful House and helped organise the celebration. Initially starting out as front of house assistant at the shop she now helps curate the galleries and helps to host events.

She spoke of her pride in how the store has progressed since it first launched a year ago. "I'm so proud of how far we've come in the last year. It's been amazing to meet and work with so many talented artists," she said. "I never thought I'd have a job where I got to meet so many interesting people every day. We've been so excited to move into the Ancient Marketplace and we're really grateful to have this wonderful space in which to show art. Working at Not My Beautiful House has definitely made me consider working in galleries and fine art in the future," she added.

Yasmin Noor, Vice President Student Opportunities at Union of Kingston Students Union, said she was immensely proud of the success of Not My Beautiful House. "The store provides a platform for local businesses, creatives and young artists to achieve success in one of the most iconic buildings in Kingston. Our inclusive, diverse community will continue to break down barriers and encourage collaboration between students and the community."

Councillor Andreas Kirsch, Leader of Kingston Council, helped to facilitate the move and was in attendance at the relocation event. "The Ancient Market House is a beautiful building and it's wonderful to put it to great use as a home for the borough's modern, creative projects. We look forward to Not My Beautiful House inspiring the community and breathing new life into the town centre."

Not My Beautiful House first opened on Fife Road in Kingston town centre in May 2021. Initially opening five days a week, now at the new venue the shop will now be open seven days a week and will be located in the Ancient Market House for the next six months.