In this era of art exhibitions, viewers have begun to appreciate work displayed in non-traditional spaces, outside of national museums and royal palaces. These new venues range from retail stores to public transportation to remodeled warehouses. In London, South Bank’s Tate Modern is the iconic industrial-chic art space, but the Wapping Project, a restaurant and arts centre housed in a converted hydraulic power station, is also capitalizing on this trend.

Wapping Food, the centre’s restaurant/bar, is located in the Engine and Turbine houses amidst exposed station equipment; the menu is modern European, the wine list Australian, and the dress smart casual. The gallery, located in the basement, is a multi-purpose exhibition space intended to display the work of visual and performance artists.

Currently on display are the photographs of the late Guy Bourdin, a French Vogue photographer. “Unseen: Guy Bourdin” is a collection of cinematic and controversial images that mix the glamorous, erotic, and macabre. The juxtaposition of this fashion-based work with the industrial space is particularly striking. On display until July 4, 2009.

Wapping Hydraulic Power Station
Wapping Wall
London E1W 3SG
+44 0207 680 2080
TheWappingProject.com