baggio248
10-09-2003, 03:35 PM
From ap.org
"LONDON (AP) -- The sinks were mounted high up on the walls and had become light fittings, the one remaining lavatory bowl had been converted into a fountain, and in the corner a woman dressed as a soap dispenser was giving out fortune cookies.
Welcome to Britain's newest art gallery, which opened Thursday in a converted Victorian public convenience.
The Toilet Gallery is based in Kingston in southwestern London and is to be a showcase for nontraditional work by young artists.
"For most of the last century, this toilet provided a vital public service for many people in Kingston. We hope the unique setting for this new art space will keep an historic civic building in business well into the 21st century," said Paul Stafford, director of Foundation Studies in Art and Design at the nearby Kingston University, who founded the gallery.
The Toilet Gallery was opened by veteran performance artists Gilbert and George by cutting a line of lavatory paper instead of a ribbon.
Stafford told The Associated Press that converting the lavatory had so far cost 12 pounds and fifty pence ($20.75).
"So much was given to us for free, from the paint to the doors, and entry to the gallery is going to be free, too - so unlike the old days, a visit to the Toilet gallery won't cost you a penny," Stafford said."
"LONDON (AP) -- The sinks were mounted high up on the walls and had become light fittings, the one remaining lavatory bowl had been converted into a fountain, and in the corner a woman dressed as a soap dispenser was giving out fortune cookies.
Welcome to Britain's newest art gallery, which opened Thursday in a converted Victorian public convenience.
The Toilet Gallery is based in Kingston in southwestern London and is to be a showcase for nontraditional work by young artists.
"For most of the last century, this toilet provided a vital public service for many people in Kingston. We hope the unique setting for this new art space will keep an historic civic building in business well into the 21st century," said Paul Stafford, director of Foundation Studies in Art and Design at the nearby Kingston University, who founded the gallery.
The Toilet Gallery was opened by veteran performance artists Gilbert and George by cutting a line of lavatory paper instead of a ribbon.
Stafford told The Associated Press that converting the lavatory had so far cost 12 pounds and fifty pence ($20.75).
"So much was given to us for free, from the paint to the doors, and entry to the gallery is going to be free, too - so unlike the old days, a visit to the Toilet gallery won't cost you a penny," Stafford said."