The year 2024 was a challenging one for many, including us. As you may know our umbrella organisation, which includes both Van Gogh House and San Mei Gallery, faced a substantial funding cut at the end of the year when a major donor unexpectedly had to withdraw. This left us with no choice but to reassess our future.

Just a couple of months ago we launched an ambitious campaign for Van Gogh House and San Mei Gallery to raise £125,000 to fill the gap in funding. The response was humbling: individual donors, members of the public and artistic communities gave generously, and our exhibiting artists contributed by donating portions of their sales. Together, we raised an incredible £16,240 for the organisation—a testament to the love and support for what we’ve built across the spaces. However, without any success in acquiring new major donors, the amount raised, while deeply appreciated, is not enough to continue operating both San Mei Gallery and Van Gogh House.

After much deliberation, we have had to make the difficult decision to end programming at San Mei Gallery and focus our resources and energy towards Van Gogh House. Purchased in 2012, 87 Hackford Road—the historic home in Brixton, South London where Van Gogh once lived—has always been at the heart of our creative organisation. While San Mei Gallery quickly developed its own strong identity and audience, sustaining both spaces has stretched our resources to their limits. To honour our organisation’s commitment to fostering creativity and connection, we will consolidate around Van Gogh House, so that our mission can thrive for years to come. 

We cannot overstate how hard this decision has been, but it is tempered by the immense gratitude we feel for the journey we’ve shared with all of you.

As we embark on this new chapter, we are filled with excitement about the opportunities ahead at Van Gogh House. We carry forward the same dedication to fostering creativity and connection. This historic house, where Vincent van Gogh once lived, continues to be a hub for contemporary artists worldwide, offering space and resources for creating and sharing work. Its mission is to support artists, celebrate Van Gogh’s London legacy, engage the public through exhibitions and events, and connect deeply with the local community through outreach and schools programs. 

We warmly invite you to visit us, connect with our programmes, and be part of the journey. Follow us at @vangoghlondon or visit vangoghhouse.co.uk to stay up to date on tours, exhibitions, events, and community initiatives.

To everyone who has been part of this story—thank you. Your passion and support have brought us to this moment, and we can’t wait to welcome you to Van Gogh House to continue building something extraordinary together.

With heartfelt thanks,

Eleanor, Livia, and Alice

Directors of Van Gogh House London and Gallery CIC