Rainham to Limehouse
Curated by Tom Lemon and Gerard Cassidy, this exhibition presents a historical, sometimes cinematic glimpse into years gone by. Rainham to Limehouse is a nod to their creative imaging journey. The bulk of Gerry’s printmaking work is carried out at the Shadwell Idea Store (near Limehouse), and Tom Lemon produces his artworks at his Studio in Rainham.
About Gerry Cassidy:
My inspiration going back would have been Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Henri Magritte, all fashionable artists in the 1960s, maybe there are elements of those artists’ work in mine. Cinema inspirations in some of my pictures come from various films, Bronco Bullfrog by Barney Platt Mills, Billy Liar by Keith Waterhouse and the striking actress Simone Signoret. I have a love of printmaking and Letterpress printing, have a fair amount of equipment at home where I can carry out some creative work. I am a student of Shadwell print studio, East London (Idea Store) tutor Anna Dyke, where my greatest energy is producing silk screen prints and more recently lino cut printing. The bulk of my career was in the printing industry and since retiring, I have been able to carry through new ideas to print. I also have a connection with Havering Changing, an organisation that fosters art and all manner of creativity in the less well creative served areas of Havering. I enjoy ceramics and am able to do pottery projects at Fairkytes Arts Centre in Hornchurch, Essex at weekly held sessions.
About Thomas Lemon:
My prints are an exploration of colour, shape, design and precision. I developed this method of block printing while doing my degree course. I experimented with various printing techniques before settling on a refined woodblock method. I construct my prints using ink, paper woodblocks and a jig. This method affords me endless possibilities of design and colour combinations by reconfiguring the blocks in the jig. The motivation for my method of printing came from Victor Vassarly and his Alphabet Plastique work. I also draw inspiration from Wassily Kandinsky and Helio Oitocica with regards to their compositions and use of colour. By carving out motifs and patterns into individual woodblocks, I build up layers of contrasting colour and shapes to deliver a powerful visual experience. Overlaying blocks, designs and pigments I create pieces to surprise, intrigue and enthrall.
Wood block printing and Zine workshop:
We are running two workshops on Saturday 30th May 2026. The first will be a woodblock print making experience using watercolour inks, all materials will be provided. Age range would be 10 years old upwards. The second workshop will be a Zine making experience, advice, instruction and demonstrations will be available on the day. Age range for Zine making would be 10 years upwards. Feel free to bring in any bright coloured magazines that could be cut down and pasted into the A7 pages in your mini Zines.
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.
Opening Event: Friday 29th May, 6.30-8.30pm
Exhibition: Saturday 30th - Sunday 31st May, 10am-5pm
Tickets for the Opening Event are free, but registration is essential