The Alchemy Experiment is a new, inclusive exhibition and events space with an internal coffee house, that opened on Glasgow’s Byres Road in the autumn. Set to host art exhibitions, talks, workshops, film screenings, live music, tuition, poetry and more, the goal is to provide a platform for artists and creatives to exhibit their work, collaborate and link to the city’s established art scene. The opening followed a comprehensive refurbishment that stripped the existing space back to highlight the features of the original building, exposing brick walls, timber floor, iron columns and a tall pair of windows at the rear, affording increased natural light, and removal of the low ceiling, affording extra height and revealing the original cornicing.

A bespoke pink concrete coffee unit that harmonises with the existing materials, with clever joinery and splashes of colour, brings the whole space together. A high-quality sound system, projector, adaptable furniture and the option for plasterboard to create a white-walled gallery effect, ensure that the space is fully flexible and able to accommodate almost any type of event. The basement can be closed-off for classes, screen printing facilities or used as an extension to the exhibition space.

The gallery has published a collection of artwork created during lockdown, ‘Love in the Time of Covid’, is its first publication, priced £15, and its recent opening exhibition focused on a selection of artwork from the book. Its website features a shop for prints, clothing and other merchandise.

Note the Gallery’s Christmas opening times for 2020-21: closed 25 – 27 Dec, reopening 28 Dec, closed 1 – 5 Jan, reopening 6 Jan.