An interview with ELMS Window Gallery
It’s been just over a year since the last UK lockdown restrictions were lifted, but Amanda Horwood distinctly recalls what it was like being “stuck not doing anything for ages”. I’m surprised to hear overtones of optimism when she says that. Instead of lamenting, she’s been using those memories to fuel her boundless energy for the arts. The result is the ELMS Window Gallery in Leyton. But before we go there, we need to go back a decade or so.
Amanda is an accomplished painter with a degree in Fine Art. Unfortunately, being an aspiring artist in London is a lot like being an aspiring actor in LA: it ain’t gonna pay the rent. Like many before her, and I suspect many more to come, she gave it a go for a few years but struggled to find support within the London art ecosystem. Family ties and part-time psychotherapy studies at Goldsmiths eventually led her back to Leyton and a day job with the East London Mental Health Services, aka ELMS. That’s where she met Mick Finan, another struggling artist (in his case: a drummer) that found both a calling and a dependable income providing mental health support for the local community.
“Art is a useful therapeutic tool” says Mick, as Amanda explains how they ran a printmaking workshop earlier in the summer for the locals that utilise their day services. She proudly shows me some lino cuts: one looks like spectacles, another like a simplified Stonehenge. It’s exactly the kind of output you’d expect from a group of beginners, but with Amanda’s guidance the prints were combined into a series of large scale collage works punching well above their weight. That’s the thing I love about art. Sometimes it doesn’t matter who made it. All it needs is a little love and attention from someone who knows what they’re doing and it’ll look great in a window, so that’s exactly where they put them. The timing coincided with the local Leytonstone Arts Trail and with their listing accepted, the seeds of an idea were planted.
The concept quickly expanded to support the wider arts community. There’s a difference between therapeutic art crafted in an afternoon workshop and that of a practicing artist, and it’s clear that Amanda’s own journey has influenced her views on how to best support both. “I’m passionate about giving opportunities to people who are excluded from the gallery culture. Marginalised people, whose art may be overlooked…” she says. Mick solemnly adds that “some of my best friends are artists, so I know how hard it is.” They eventually approached their employer, the Single Homeless Project (SHP), about commandeering their function room windows. With a nod of approval and a little bit of funding for some sturdy exhibition boards, the ELMS Window Gallery was born.
Behind the boards it’s a bit ramshackle. Precarious stacks of cleaning products fight for storage space with art supplies, amongst a mish-mash of tables and chairs. The window blinds have been carefully draped over the exhibition boards to make way for the work, which isn’t even artificially lit. So while it’s technically open 24/7, you might need a torch after dark to be able to appreciate the art. This is no glossy Mayfair gallery, and that’s entirely the point.
The ELMS Window Gallery officially opened in August, an output of sheer willpower and can-do attitude. Amanda is excited about the potential, and her energy is infectious. She talks almost non-stop throughout our interview about ideas she has for the project, and on more than a few occasions I catch myself brainstorming with her. Then I remember that I’m supposed to be the one asking the questions. It’s at this point that I realise Mick’s hardly said a word.
Quiet and non-plussed, he’s happy to let us natter while he sips his cappuccino. Mick’s clearly the soft-spoken but dependable colleague who’ll be there when Amanda needs him to help get things done. He seems confident but incredibly laid-back, although his body language and tone jolt upright and engaged when I ask him what this project means to him: “Art is supposed to be seen, and quite often people’s art just gathers dust. We got a space that isn’t being used. This is a very good way of using it.” I get the sense he views all of this as simple, matter of fact and obvious. And it is.
They’re been incredibly fortunate that their employer (ELMS) merged with the Single Homeless Project (SHP) at the start of the lockdowns. SHP is a London-wide charity that’s been going since the 70’s and they’re keen to engage with the communities they support. In Leyton that includes temporary accommodation, counselling services and an activities & lunch club. Their facility connects to a recently vacated cafe, which is being considered as a possible extension to be used for the community. If Amanda has her way, it will also double the gallery display. After all, there’s a lot of art out there, and it doesn’t take much to get it in front of people. Just a few boards in a few windows and some incredibly engaged people to make it happen. Who I’ve clearly just met.
ELMS Window Gallery is located at 388-392 High Road Leyton, London E10 6QE. Visit elmswindowgallery.co.uk or follow @elmswindowgallery on Instagram for more info.
Exhibitions run on a monthly basis. The inaugural show, Soulscape, is by Leah Dyke and runs until 31 August. Follow @lsdyke.art on Instagram for more info about the artist.
Amanda’s paintings can be seen at amandahorwood.com
Single Homeless Project (SHP) is a registered charity. For more information or to donate and support, please visit shp.org.uk
