Woodstock Gallery

This gallery seems to have originated c. 1958 in London's West End and was, as its name suggests, based at 16 Woodstock Street. It lasted into the 1980's and many artists exhibited there. Arguably, the location's greatest claim to fame took place during World War II, when on the 17th April 1941, during one of the largest raids to hit the capital, parachute mines, incendiary and high explosive bombs destroyed or damaged large parts of central and south London. A number of the bombs dropped that night failed to explode, one of which landed at 14 Woodstock Street next door to what was to become the location for the Gallery. Amazingly, no serious damage or casualties resulted, and the Royal Engineers Bomb Disposal Unit managed to defuse the bomb. The site of the Gallery is now a small block of Mayfair flats.

The gallery was founded and directed by artist Lyall Watson and Iris Turner. At a time when the London art market was dominated by established names and rigid traditionalism, the Gallery established itself as a platform for artists from across the Commonwealth and Europe. It was a champion of abstract expressionism, sculpture, and experimental techniques. Throughout the 1960's, the gallery became a hub for the London Group and various independent artists. It was particularly notable for its willingness to showcase female artists and sculptors who struggled to find space in more conservative venues.

The gallery remained active through the late 1970's. However, like many independent Mayfair galleries, the shifting economic climate and the rising dominance of large-scale commercial 'mega-galleries'led to its eventual closure. The final exhibition appears to have taken place in 1984.