Graffik prides itself on being the first commercial gallery to shine a spotlight on street art.
And now they’re laughing all the way to the Banksy.
Small, independently-run, and with a rebellious streak, you’ll find Graffik squeezed into a row of terraced shops and houses at the end of Portobello Road. You’ll recognise it as the one with a roof-to-pavement mural by artist Dotmaster.
It’s always worth popping by to take a look at smaller-scale artwork from legends like Banksy, Stik and Catman. But they’ve also got a keen eye for the up-and-comers, and you could walk away with an investment piece by the next urban Old Master for around £50. Handy if your landlord has a ‘thing’ about you graffiti-ing your walls at home.
Which leads us to Graffik’s other USP: graffiti workshops. Book in for their public classes or a private session, and they’ll induct you into the art of graffiti. Clad in a Breaking Bad uniform of boiler suits and dust masks, the gallery’s resident artist will give you a crash course in some classic street art techniques, from stencils to freehand spraying. Then, over the next two hours, you’ll be allowed to let rip on the walls of their back garden, before crafting your own canvas to take home.
The creative streak you never knew you had?
It’s in the can.
NOTE: Graffik Gallery is open daily, 11am-6pm, and is free to visit. You can find out more, or book one of their graffiti workshops, HERE.
Graffik Gallery | 284 Portobello Road, London W10 5TE
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