Heritage crusader finds time to open new Aberdeen art gallery
In between trying to save every historic landmark in Hong Kong, it seems John Batten still has time for his day job as an arts curator. The activist will be reopening a new John Batten Gallery next month, but this one is in Aberdeen.
'It's a conscious effort to get out of Central,' Batten (right) admits. 'It's experimental so we'll see how it goes. Of course, when I first opened the gallery in SoHo, people were saying why do you want to move there?'
He's had the space for two months now, on the top floor of an industrial building in Wong Chuk Hang.
'We're doing a very simple renovation and we have a very nice balcony overlooking the Jumbo Restaurant. I'll only use it for three or four shows a year and all the other time it can be used for other arts events - of course, it'll be things I like. Plus, it's only going to be open on Saturdays and by appointment all other times.'
For the opening show, Batten will be mounting an exhibition of works titled Finding Yourself Lost by Stephen Eastaugh starting October 5. The gallery is at 2205, Remex Building, 42 Wong Chuk Hang Road.
