Menier Gallery

The Menier Gallery is an art space located in the historic Menier Chocolate Factory building in Southwark, London. The history of the gallery is intertwined with the building's industrial past and its later conversion into a vibrant arts complex. In 1816, Jean-Antoine Brutus Menier (1795-1853) founded the Menier company in Paris, initially producing powders for medicinal purposes. By 1870, the French Menier company had expanded and had purchased and opened a five-storey factory and warehouse on Southwark Street, London, to serve as its British base. The building, constructed between 1865 and 1874, is today a grand Victorian Grade II listed building, retaining its original exposed brick walls, cast iron columns, and wooden beams. The Menier family lost interest in the company in the 1960's, and after various mergers, the company was acquired by Nestlé in 1988. The London factory continued to operate until the 1980's when it was closed down and was left derelict for several years.

In 2004, the derelict building was restored and reopened as the Menier Chocolate Factory arts complex by David Babani, housing a 180-seat off-West End theatre, a restaurant, a bar, and an art gallery. The gallery space was established as a venue for contemporary art and design, attracting artists and visitors due to its unique historical character and location near artistic hubs like the Tate Modern and Borough Market. The Menier Gallery is managed by Paintings in Hospitals, a charity that uses art to improve well-being in healthcare settings. All income generated from gallery hire supports the charity's work. The gallery hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, often featuring work by art groups and associations, with shows changing frequently. The Menier Gallery's history is thus a story of transformation from a bustling Victorian chocolate factory to a respected contemporary arts venue that maintains its unique industrial charm.

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