About Wallspace

Wallspace is an exhibition venue in the church of All Hallows on the Wall in the City of London. Its aim is to provide a spiritual home for the visual arts in the capital. The vision for Wallspace has been developed principally by its Director, freelance curator Meryl Doney.

In 2004 Meryl was responsible for curating Presence: images of Christ for the third millennium, a series of linked exhibitions of contemporary art housed in six cathedrals across the UK. This ambitious project - which included site-specific pieces for Canterbury and St Paul’s cathedrals - involved the work of more than 50 artists. This proved to be a fraction of the number of artists of faith (and those influenced by faith or referencing spirituality in their work) that she uncovered in her search for exhibitors.

It became abundantly clear that there are many practicing artists in the UK alone who are preoccupied by spiritual themes and possibilities. There was, however, no venue where such work could be shown on a regular basis, or where kindred spirits could gather to engage in dialogue about their work and their ideas. And so the idea for a place for this purpose was born.

Meryl began to search for suitable premises and, with the help and support of the Archdeacon of London the Right Rev Peter Delaney, discovered All Hallows.

Wallspace is integral to the vision and ministry of All Hallows on the Wall under vicar Canon Garth Hewitt, who is enormously enthusiastic about the prospect of Wallspace. It dovetails with his own vision for the church to act as a centre for creativity and justice.

Meryl is joined by her husband Associate Director, Revd Malcolm Doney. Malcolm trained as a painter and is a full-time freelance writer and is also an ordained priest in the Church of England.

Wallspace was officially launched in December 2006.

Wallspace as an organisation is set up under the auspices of the Guild Council of All Hallows on the Wall to develop and curate a series of art exhibitions and other related events in the church building. It holds charitable status as part of the ministry of the church.