Paintings by Joanna Boyle and Helen Eger, two artists who consider space, memory, objects and storytelling.
Press the Buzzer to Enter brings together the work of two artists who consider interiors, memory, objects and storytelling: Joanna Boyle and Helen Eger.
Both artists play with the line between real and imagined or constructed spaces. They start out with a still life or setworks in the studio and use framing devices and collaged elements to disrupt the scene, leading the viewer into a realm between the real and surreal.
During the exhibition, please join the artists on Saturday 10th October for the Beyond Still Life workshop from 2-4pm (tickets £8).
Joanna is interested in how everyday objects can function as portraits or stand-ins for both present and absent figures. Through treasured belongings, domestic arrangements and imagined storage spaces, she explores how memory becomes embedded within the things we keep. These objects act as shrines, memorials and markers of personal history.
Helen’s practice centres on observational drawing and paintings of interiors and dioramas constructed in her studio, layered with found objects, personal photos or postcards. She is interested in how these spaces change as people, objects and light are introduced. Each painting can hold multiple stories or interpretations. Helen evokes atmosphere with bursts of colour, using hue to create space, narrative clues, and a sense of discovery and reinvention.
Helen and Joanna met on the Turps Off Site programme 2025-26 where an affinity between their work was quickly noted. Both artists explore the qualities of paint as a material of illusion. For both the creation of a painting begins with observational drawing from still life or the real world. These drawings are referenced in the studio, carrying a sense of animation and discovery into each painting.
About Joanna:
Joanna Boyle is an artist based in London. Working as an illustrator and designer she has been lucky to freelance across both the publishing and animation industries for over a decade. Having recently graduated from the Turps Off Site Programme, she loves to create paintings that are rooted in drawing from life and explores themes of memory, loss, imagination and the stories we attach to objects. She has recently been awarded the APT Mentorship Award 2026-27.
About Helen:
Helen Eger is a British/Swiss artist based in London. She graduated from the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art Oxford University, leading to performing at art festivals in London and Liverpool. She completed an MA in Communication Art and Design at the RCA before running her eponymous design studio for over ten years. Currently on a second year of Turps, she also draws weekly at the Royal Drawing School.
Contact: If you have any questions regarding this exhibition, please email programming@stmargaretshouse.org.uk
Venue: The Chapel at St Margaret’s House, 21 Old Ford Road — E2 9PL
Access: We are working to make our Grade II listed building more accessible, but it will take some time. Please note that entry to the Chapel is not step-free. If you require access support (including our portable ramps) and/or access to an accessible toilet, please contact us on 020 8980 2092 or email programming@stmargaretshouse.org.uk so we can arrange this for you.
Dates & Times:
Opening Event: Friday 9th October, 6.30-8.30pm
Workshop: Saturday 10th October, 2-4pm
Exhibition: Saturday 10th - Sunday 11th October, 10am-4pm
Tickets for the Opening Event are free, but registration is essential