Celebrating 50 years of Spike Island, formerly Artspace, in Bristol(Image: Spike Island)

From tea warehouse to cultural powerhouse: Spike Island celebrates 50 years in Bristol

by · BristolLive

Spike Island is celebrating its 50th birthday this month in Bristol.

The beloved hub for artists, previously named Artspace Bristol, is known for its art exhibitions, open studios, workshops and events, and over the years has drawn in an abundance of big and local names in the world of art.

Founded in the mid-1970s by a group of painters, sculptors and printmakers who sought out affordable studio space in the city, the hub was originally set up at the McArthur’s Steel and Metal warehouse on Gas Ferry Road close to the current building.

It moved to the former Brooke Bond tea packing warehouse in 1992, and was renamed Spike Island in 1998.

To mark five decades since the organisation was founded as Artspace Bristol in 1976, the venue hosted a 'Summer Party' last weekend.

Being a registered charity, every ticket sold directly supports its exhibitions, artists’ studios, commissions and public programme.

Take a look at Artspace and Spike Island over its 50 year history in our gallery below...

Celebrating 50 years of Spike Island, formerly Artspace, in Bristol(Image: Spike Island)
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Celebrating 50 years of Spike Island, formerly Artspace, in Bristol - Artspace members at the Sculpture Shed(Image: Spike Island)
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Celebrating 50 years of Spike Island, formerly Artspace, in Bristol - Artists on the roof of McArthurs Yard, the site of the original Bristol Artspace, in the early 90s(Image: Spike Island)
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Celebrating 50 years of Spike Island, formerly Artspace, in Bristol(Image: Spike Island)
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