London’s art galleries have many claims to fame. Some boast impressive collections, with hundreds, if not thousands, of pieces of art. Others are home to world-famous paintings that people will travel across the globe to visit and see in person. But did you know London might also be home to the smallest art gallery in the whole world?
Over in Brick Lane, nestled beneath the shopfront of a florist and a mobile phone shop, is the Wee Tiny Gallery. A collaborative effort between McKay Lenker Bayer of the Tiny Art Show, illustrator Holly Welch, and small spaces builder and artist John Connors, it’s a tiny little art-piece that displays art (by Holly) and is itself an artwork. And we reckon it’s almost definitely the smallest art gallery in London and the UK – and perhaps even the world.
Where to find the Wee Tiny Gallery
You can find the Wee Tiny Gallery at 106a Brick Lane, E1 6RL. It’s just around the corner from the intersection of Brick Lane and Princelet Street. Keep an eye out for Jen’s Plants and Florist and the Brick Lane Mobile Shop, and then look towards the ground.
Once you’re down at ground level (you might need to get your hands and knees dirty to see properly!), you can see a handful of artworks inside. There’s even a miniature of a parent and child looking at the works inside the gallery.
As a piece of public art that’s been tucked away at foot height, in a high-traffic area, the piece might not be spick and span when you find it. In fact, there’s a possibility that someone might have stolen it or defaced it by the time you find it. (Fingers crossed that isn’t the case.) But nonetheless, even through a bit of dirt and grime, it’s a wholly charming piece that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
The Wee Tiny Gallery will be in place until it’s destroyed or defaced. Fingers crossed the miniature gallery lasts a while yet!
📍 Wee Tiny Gallery at 106a Brick Lane, E1 6RL.
🚇 The nearest stations are Shoreditch High Street and Aldgate East.
