Did you know that Vincent Van Gogh lived in London before he became an artist and that the house in which he lived is open to the public? Van Gogh’s House is a non-profit contemporary arts organisation based in the South London boarding house where the young Vincent lived in 1873-74.

More than a time capsule of Van Gogh’s year in Brixton, the house was established in 2019 as a site of creative production and hosts a programme of exhibitions, residencies and events that support contemporary artists to make a living in their lifetime. Guided tours take place on the last weekend of every month and offer visitors an opportunity to learn about the its most famous tenant, as well as the architecture, history, and future of the house. It provides a unique insight into Van Gogh’s everyday existence in Victorian London, as well as a glimpse into the way ordinary people lived.

View of the Van Gogh House London. Photo Credit: © Van Gogh House London.

Tours last about an hour and fifteen minutes and include a short walk to set our local context. Tickets cost £12, with discounts for Friends and students. These tours are not suitable for children but the house hosts children’s workshops. Sessions take place on the last Sunday of the month from 10 to 11.30 am – booking is essential.

87 Hackford Road is a Grade II listed building that was renovated and conserved by the Wang family. Built in the 1820s, by 2012 the property had fallen into a state of disrepair and was nearly derelict. It was purchased at auction by James Wang and Alice Childs, who saw the potential to bring this cultural landmark back to life.

Tour group at the Van Gogh House London. Photo Credit: © Van Gogh House London.

Conservation works took place over the next seven years, guided by an ambition to save as much existing material as possible whilst making sensitive repairs where necessary. It was important for the house to remain first and foremost a dwelling – and not a museum, allowing it to remain in practical use as a home as well as a venue for artist residencies and exhibitions. Read more about the renovation project by following the links.

The Vincent Van Gogh House opened in summer 2019, with a small but dedicated team. Established as a site of creative production, 87 Hackford Road remains dedicated to preserving Van Gogh’s remarkable career while supporting the next generation of artists, writers, and designers. The house’s programme is split between live-in residencies, which take place across the spring and summer, an annual exhibition and an events programme in the Autumn with year-round guided tours at the end of every month.

A view of the fireplace in Van Gogh House London. Photo Credit: © Van Gogh House London.

View of the interior of the Van Gogh House London. Photo Credit: © Van Gogh House London.

Note:  Information for the blog post was provided by the Van Gogh House London.