The London Salon ? a group whose roots date back to 1892 ? has appealed for help over what it sees as the loss of its London exhibition venue.
The historic organisation, which has links with AP, has staged an exhibition in the capital for the best part of 100 years.
In a bitter blow the Salon claims it will no longer be possible to stage its annual show at Cottons Atrium near London Bridge because the venue has withdrawn use of the display screens upon which the pictures would be mounted. The owners of the building have demanded that, from now on, the group brings its own display boards.
London Salon chairman Trevor Fry told AP that the Salon cannot afford to buy its own screens, insisting that it would be impractical to move and store them. He said: ?We are really stumped. It?s very sad. For some extraordinary reason they [Cottons Atrium] don?t want anything to do with it [the exhibition].?
The show has been held at the venue for the past 15 years and the display screens are normally stored there during the year.
In a further setback management has also withdrawn general use of the toilets for the opening night, effectively scuppering the Salon?s plans for a ?private view? bash which traditionally attracts hundreds of guests.
Those in charge of the venue ? which is part of the Hays Galleria complex ? have even suggested that the show?s organisers bring their own ?Portaloos? for any opening night event.
The Salon?s next London exhibition is due to take place in July 2006.
The impasse has prompted the Salon to appeal to London Mayor Ken Livingstone for help but to no avail.
If you have any suggestions or can help in any way regarding a venue contact secretary Ann Miles by emailing secretary@londonsalon.org.
? For the full story ? plus details of the London Salon?s historic link with AP – see next week?s issue, in shops on Tuesday 6 December
