Open House 2024: discover Trinity Buoy Wharf

Located in the vibrant Docklands area, Trinity Buoy Wharf is a creative site where art meets history and innovation. Once a place for manufacturing and maintenance of maritime equipment, this unique riverside location has transformed into a hub for artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs. Now, the public has a rare opportunity to explore its gems during the Open House event over the course of 2 weekends this September.

Open House 2024 event will provide a rare opportunity to step aboard the SS Robin, the world’s only surviving complete Victorian steamship. Permanently moored at Trinity Buoy Wharf, the SS Robin is currently being restored and serves as a floating museum that tells the story of London’s maritime heritage.

Expert guides will lead visitors through the ship, offering fascinating insights into its history and the lives of those who worked aboard it. From the engine room to the captain’s quarters, every section of the SS Robin is filled with stories and history.

• When: Sat 14th & 15th and Sat 21st & Sun 22nd September 2024
• Times: 12pm, 2pm & 4pm each day
• Entry: free
• Booking essential on the Open House website here.

NOTE: the tours are now fully booked, but please speak to a member of staff at the start of each tour to check for no-shows and last minute availability (meet by the steps to SS Robin)

Join us for a guided tour of Trinity Buoy Wharf. Learn about history and architecture and explore the vibrant art installations that bring this unique space to life.

• When: Sat 14th & Sun 15th and Sat 21st & Sun 22nd September 2024
• Times: 11am and 3pm each day
• Entry: free
• Max numbers: 20 (first come, first served) Meet by the Lighthouse
• Booking: no need to book, just turn up!

Join us for a free creative session where you can craft masks using jewels and feathers. Bring along friends or come solo to meet other creative individuals. All ages welcome! We’ll be available to offer guidance, but you’re free to explore the materials and stay as long as you like. No need to reserve a spot- just drop in whenever you want.

• When: Sat 14th & Sun 15th and Sat 21st & Sun 22nd September 2024
• Times: 10.30am – 5pm
• Entry: free
• Booking: no need to book, just turn up!

One of the standout features of the Open House event is the mesmerizing outdoor display of kinetic sculptures by Andrew Baldwin. These dynamic works of art, incorporate movement as a fundamental aspect of their design. Each sculpture challenges the boundaries of traditional art forms, inviting visitors to interact with and experience the art in a truly immersive way.

• When: Sat 14th & Sun 15th and Sat 21st & Sun 22nd September 2024
• Times: 10am – 5pm
• Entry: free

SE.E NE.W Histories references compass points of four national sites emanating from Trinity Buoy Wharf, that have historical connections with pre/early photographic processes 1790-1920. This exhibition includes tintype portraits of recent visitors to SS Robin and lost archival imagery relating to maritime heritage, unearthed during public outreach, in a three year programme made possible by Trinity Buoy Wharf Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The heart of Trinity Buoy Wharf lies in its eclectic community of artists and makers. Visitors will be able to step inside the usually private art studios and witness their work in action. From painters and sculptors to digital artists and designers, the studios offer a diverse range of disciplines and artistic expressions.

As you wander through the site, you'll have the chance to engage with the artists themselves, gaining insights into their creative processes and stories behind their work.

• Trinity Art Studios: will be exhibiting paintings, sculpture and drawings from 12 of their finest artists. They will also be launching their new season of workshops & classes. Open: Sat 14th 10am- 5pm, Sun 15th 11am- 4pm, Sat 21st 10am- 5pm, Sun 22nd 11am-4pm
• Joanne Forrest, artist: is a British mixed media artist, based in the practice of sculpture; focusing her work on the found object and materiality. Open: Sat 14th & Sun 15th and Sat 21st & Sun 22nd 10am – 5pm
• James Cook, typewriter artist: In just over a decade, James has produced more than 350 typewritten drawings. To produce his artwork, James has acquired more than 100 typewriters which have mostly been donated by fans of his work. Using the typewriters, he has produced artwork for celebrities, television presenters, musicians and famous businesses. Open: Sat 21st & Sun 22nd 11am- 3pm
• Maud Milton, mosaic artist: Maud works with schools, councils, businesses and the community to make murals, specialising in mosaics and ceramics. Open: Sat 21st & Sun 22nd 10am- 5pm
• The King's Foundation run their Fine and Applied Art Foundation Course at Trinity Buoy Wharf, as well as workshops in sewing and textile skills. You will be able to see their student's work and learn about the course. Open Sat 14th & Sun 15th and Sat 21st & Sun 22nd 10am- 5pm

Explore a unique piece of London's history by visiting the city's only lighthouse. It offers stunning views and a rare glimpse into the maritime heritage that shaped London.

• When: Sat 14th & Sun 15th and Sat 21st & Sun 22nd
• Times: 11am – 5pm
• Entry: free

Located in the Lighthouse, the Longplayer is written to play without repetition for 1,000 years. Experience this unique composition:

• When: Sat 14th & Sun 15th and Sat 21st & Sun 22nd
• Times: 11am – 5pm
• Entry: free

Saturdays Sept 14th & 21st:

• Japanese Pottery Class: Wabi-sabi 10.30am- 12pm. Book here
• Wheel Throwing Taster Class 12.30pm- 1.15pm & 2.30pm- 3.15pm & 4.30pm- 5.15pm. Book here
• Crochet a plant pot (Beginner) 11am -1pm Book here
• Crochet Taster Workshop for Beginners: 1.30pm- 3.30pm. Book here
• Learn to crochet granny squares: 4pm- 6pm Book here
• Machine Embroidery Workshop for Your Custom Designs: 12-2pm & 3-5pm Book here

Sundays Sept 15th & 22nd

• Wheel Throwing Taster Class 12.30pm- 1.15pm & 2.30pm- 3.15pm & 4.30pm- 5.15pm. Book here
• Crochet Workshop: Make Your Own Scrunchie 11-1pm. Book here
• Crochet Taster Workshop for Beginners: 11-1pm & 1.30pm- 3.30pm. Book here
• Learn to crochet granny squares: 4pm- 6pm Book here
• Terrazzo and Marble Workshop: 10.30- 12pm Book here
• Machine Embroidery Workshop for Your Custom Designs: 3-5pm Book here