Van Gogh House London

A Young Artist's London Refuge

In September 1873, a 20-year-old Vincent van Gogh arrived at 87 Hackford Road in Brixton, seeking refuge and purpose in London. He had recently left his position as an art dealer and was searching for direction. During his year-long stay, Van Gogh worked at the Goupil & Cie art dealership and lodged in this modest Georgian terrace, built in the 1820s. Though his time here was brief, it marked a pivotal moment in his life—a period of introspection and artistic awakening that would later inform his revolutionary approach to painting. The house itself became an unwitting witness to his formative struggles and dreams, making it an irreplaceable piece of art history.

From Dereliction to Cultural Landmark

By the early 21st century, 87 Hackford Road had fallen into severe disrepair, bordering on dereliction. In 2012, the property was purchased at auction by James Wang and Alice Childs, who recognized its historical and cultural significance. What followed was a meticulous seven-year conservation project guided by a commitment to preserve as much of the original fabric as possible while making sensitive, necessary repairs. The restoration was completed in 2018 and earned recognition for its award-winning approach to heritage conservation. Importantly, the team ensured the house remained a functioning dwelling and creative space rather than becoming a sterile time capsule. This philosophy continues to define the venue today.

Beyond Van Gogh: A Living Arts Space

Van Gogh House is far more than a monument to a single artist's brief stay. Established as a non-profit contemporary arts organisation in 2019, it operates as a vibrant site of creative production. The house hosts a dynamic programme of exhibitions, artist residencies, guided tours, and community events that engage both Van Gogh enthusiasts and the broader artistic community. The building's intimate rooms provide an unconventional gallery setting where contemporary works dialogue with the space's historical significance. Each year brings new commissions and exhibitions that respond to the unique domestic character of the house, inviting artists to contribute to its ever-growing legacy.

Seasonal Rhythms and Visitor Experience

Van Gogh House operates on a distinctive seasonal schedule that reflects its dual role as both a heritage site and an active artist residency. From September through December, the house opens to the public five days a week (Wednesday to Sunday, 12–6pm) to showcase its annual exhibition programme. During these months, visitors can explore the restored rooms, view contemporary artworks, and absorb the atmosphere of the space where Van Gogh once lived. From January through August, the house closes to the public except for guided tours held on the last weekend of each month. These monthly tours offer deeper insight into the building's history, architecture, and the lives of those who inhabited it across generations. The guided experience typically lasts one to two hours and provides context that enriches understanding of both Van Gogh's time and the house's broader narrative.

Stories Woven Into the Walls

The history of 87 Hackford Road extends far beyond Van Gogh's single year. The house holds stories of a child who hid toys beneath the floorboards in the 1850s, of the landlady and her daughter (the object of Van Gogh's unrequited affection), of a postman on strike in the 1970s who discovered the famous artist's connection to the address, and of Mrs Smith, a 20th-century resident who lived with the Van Gogh legacy for four decades. In 1973, exactly 100 years after Van Gogh's arrival, a blue plaque was installed to commemorate his residence. These layered narratives transform the house into a palimpsest of human experience, where each era has left its mark and contributed to the building's evolving identity.

Accessibility and Community Engagement

Van Gogh House is committed to welcoming visitors of all backgrounds and abilities. The organisation prioritises accessibility and offers family-friendly art sessions where children can engage creatively within the historic setting. Virtual tours are available for those unable to visit in person, ensuring that distance is no barrier to experiencing the space. The house also participates in broader community initiatives, including the Festival of Encounters, which celebrates ideas, art, and conversations across Brixton's cultural landscape. As a non-profit, the organisation relies on visitor support and fundraising exhibitions to sustain its programming and artist support initiatives.