morag myerscough vibrantly rejuvenates the bernie grant centre in london

the cafe inside the bernie grant arts centre has been given a makeover by morag myerscough. the centre in north london —originally designed by david adjaye— has become one of the leading performing arts hosting theatre, live music, cinema, and exhibition events.

all images © gareth gardner

morag myerscough has introduced new layers of texture and color to invigorate a space that had become tired over time. a palette of reclaimed materials, bespoke textiles and ceramic tiles, furniture, and the addition of huge houseplants and most of all, finished with colour. additionally, myerscough has also designed additional spaces for artists to add in their own additional layers and textures as part of a planned commissioning programme over the coming years.

the amalgamation of textures, pattern, greenery and color complements the new layers of reclaimed materials that have been used throughout. with contributions from artists yemi awosile and luke morgan, the transformed spaces embody the venues commitment to promoting and supporting artists and connecting them in a direct conversation with local residents, audiences and visitors. the collaboration saw luke morgan creating the dining tables with painted tops by morag, while yemi will complete the seating in the gallery area, to be installed shortly.

‘over the years the original intent of the café had got lost and various layers had been added to the café and the whole building in fact. the first task was to strip the building back to its original state. repaint it and relay the floor the gloss back floor.’ comments morag myerscough. ‘the café is run by an amazing local woman, gina moffatt and it felt really important that the café had the exuberance and enthusiasm she gives to the place, full of colour and life.’