A new student-run creative hub has opened in Kingston town centre, offering students and local artisans the chance to sell and exhibit their creations.

The space, called 'Not My Beautiful House' (NMBH), is located in a formerly empty shop unit on Fife Road near the Bentalls Centre.

It was set up by Kingston University students in April this year with money from a mayoral grant and a crowd-funding campaign.

The space is still run by students and is a hybrid of gallery and shop, with exhibition space and a room upstairs for artists-in-residence among the shelves of postcards, prints, clothes, and vegan candles for sale.

It is a truly unique space and in truth a refreshing change from the chain shops that dominate Kingston's high street.

Messages in the guest-book agree, with one stating: "this is exactly what Kingston needs."

Nub News spoke to Imogen Ashby , a second year Graphics Design student at Kingston University who works as front of house for the space.

"It feels amazing to create something out of nothing," she said.

"I love showing people around.

"It's amazing to talk to other artists, especially after such a long lockdown."

She added: "Everything in the shop is made by students, but we're keen also to involve local artists."

Imogen's work is also on display in the hub's gallery, including dreamy landscapes inspired by her hometown of West Wittering and cheerful painted furniture that would brighten up any room.

The space also has room for exhibitions with multiple pieces of work. Many of these have been curated by students at Kingston University.

In May there was 'A Message of Protest,' a powerful exhibition featuring work by art students across the UK who had felt let down and left behind as a result of lockdown.

While the exhibition itself was thought-provoking, it is also significant as a way for Kingston's many art students to practice what they are learning.

The same goes for the running of NMBH, according to Gallery and Creative Space manager Celine Fraser.

Celine is currently studying a Masters in the Art Market and Appraisal at Kingston University and expects to graduate next year.

She also works as a freelance art dealer, but overseeing NBMH's exhibition space also gives her vital experience in curating which will be useful in her career.

Celine says she would love to stay and work at the space, but the team will have to find it another premises first as its lease on the Fife Road building will expire at the end of September.

Nub News wishes them every success and will be keen to see how this amazing initiative progresses!

Follow the gallery on Instagram to keep up with the latest exhibitions and artwork for sale

Check out their website HERE .

For more of Imogen's Art visit her website

With thanks to Ollie Monk for the photos

Have you been to the new space yet? Let us know your thoughts on it - we'd love to hear them! [.L]