Escape the crowds at Fitzrovia's mini galleries

If you work in Fitzrovia and want to do something interesting with your lunch break, or find yourself waiting for a friend at Oxford Circus and can't face the world's busiest Topshop, then I'd recommend checking out the scatterings of small art galleries which populate Fitzrovia.

Chris Bracey- Love and Hate at Scream Gallery

The area bordered by Euston Road, Tottenham Court Road, Great Portland Street and Oxford Street has been a renowned artistic community since the mid-1920s, yet in recent years a growing number of cutting edge galleries have opened, showcasing a surprisingly extensive range of the visual arts in their small collections.

I am certainly no art buff, but I think that's why I love the galleries so much. They are small (many are just one room), silent and devoid of tourists which means that rather than being pulled towards whichever work most people are crowded around, I can go at my own pace and concentrate on the pieces of the collection which naturally draw my attention. The small size also means that you can visit a number of galleries within a short period of time. In my hour lunch break I explored Scream Gallery, Art First and the Rebecca Hossack Gallery- all  very different and rewarding in their own way.

Liane Lang's 'Fallen' exhibition

My first visit was to Scream, where I was greeted by a giant neon dagger breaking through the gallery’s window. London-based light artist Chris Bracey’s first solo exhibition contains neon lights emblazing messages of religion and pop-culture. Prepare to see a gun-wielding Jesus, an angel holding an ‘on-air’ sign and illuminated lyrics from The Smiths. The exhibition is lively, interesting and has brightened up Eastcastle Street at the start of this grey Spring. Find out more about Scream here.

I then moved a couple of doors down the road to visit Art First. This gallery was split into two exhibitions, the first being Simon Lewty's artistic presentation of the lost shorthand system called 'Tachygraphy' and the second Liane Lang's exploration of defaced monuments of dictators and deposed leaders. I loved the peacefulness of the gallery, particularly as some of Lewty's works were lengthy narratives which required concentration to be fully appreciated. The dreamy nature of his writing was complimented perfectly by the silent, white-walled gallery, and it was easy to be transported away from the busy London streets outside. Lang’s exhibition downstairs provided a similar sanctuary, yet her deformed miniature sculptures of former leaders and photographs of people treating the original structures in an unconventional manner provided humour which was absent from the works upstairs. Both thought-provoking in their different ways, if Art First sounds like your cup of tea their website is here.

Simon Lewty's 'Absorption' exhibition 

I next crossed a few streets to the charming little Rebecca Hossack Gallery on Charlotte Street. The gallery does not have many pieces, but Hossack’s strong reputation for showcasing bold and energetic art means that the work that is up is likely to be of high and interesting quality. The gallery actually feels more like a small shop, and indeed all the art within it can be bought (for a pretty hefty price). Pop in for a quick browse if you find yourself there- it beats wandering around WH Smith. More information here.

Ian Penney- I love you little star

Although I only visited three, there are over twenty five art galleries in Fitzrovia, and their diversity and uniqueness mean that you are bound to find an artist or piece that resonates with you. If you’re keen to avoid the crowds of the Tate and National, or just want to take a reflective half hour out of your day, then a trip to W1 could be right up your street. 

Splashing Out? Although picking up an original piece of art is probably beyond the budget of most readers,  Rebecca Hossock sells beautiful cards (£3) and other little bits which will brighten up your desk. Also currently on sale are  Ian Penney’s gorgeous cut outs which won’t break the bank at £15. See some examples here.