Here’s a nice reminder of the knock-on effects of a booming art market. London is home to John Jones, a frame-maker. The firm needs to expand and better organize its production so they’ve tapped into a local alliance of property developers to create a £30m multi-use facility that will house the frame making firm and offer students and artists residences and workspaces. Oh, and they’ll also have a room for a local butcher shop. The Islington Gazette has the details:
Islington firm John Jones has been based in warehouses in Morris Place, Finsbury Park, since the 1980s and recently won a £3million gallery framing contract with Turner-prize winner Hirst. Now dramatic plans have been unveiled for a massive six-storey development behind Finsbury Park Station, bringing all of its operations under one roof with workshops and a sixth floor art gallery.
Planning consultant Daniel Olliffe said: “John Jones has been on site for over 20 years but they’ve been looking to move for the last 18 months. The alternative is they would have to move out of the area – they’ve been a good neighbour and they don’t want to do that.
Nick Allen, facilities manager and head of installations at John Jones, said: “We’re looking to create an arts hub in Finsbury Park. We’re trying to develop that part of the business. The family are very much about supporting emerging artists.”
Hirst Framers Unveil Plan for £30m HQ (Islington Gazette)
