Tom & Gerry Exhibition at St Margaret’s House Bethnal Green 2026

Key Points

• Exhibition titled “Tom & Gerry The Exhibition” curated by Tom Lemon and Gerard Cassidy at The Chapel, St Margaret’s House, 21 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PL.
• Scheduled for Friday 29 May 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, with potential extended viewing on Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May 10am-5pm.
• Presents a historical, sometimes cinematic glimpse into years gone by, nodding to the artists’ creative journey from Rainham to Limehouse.
• Gerard Cassidy conducts bulk of printmaking at Shadwell Idea Store near Limehouse; Tom Lemon produces artworks at his studio in Rainham .
• Gerry Cassidy’s inspirations include Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Henri Magritte, films like Bronco Bullfrog by Barney Platt Mills, Billy Liar by Keith Waterhouse, and actress Simone Signoret.
• Cassidy is a student of tutor Anna Dyke at Shadwell print studio (Idea Store), East London, focusing on silk screen and lino cut printing; former printing industry career; connected to Havering Changing and Fairkytes Arts Centre in Hornchurch, Essex for ceramics.
• Cassidy’s prints explore colour, shape, design, and precision using refined woodblock method with ink, paper, woodblocks, and jig for endless design possibilities.
• Tom Lemon’s specific techniques and inspirations detailed in exhibition context from Rainham studio.

Bethnal Green (East London Times) May 2, 2026 –

What is Tom & Gerry The Exhibition?

The Chapel at St Margaret’s House, located at 21 Old Ford Road in Bethnal Green, East London, will host

“Tom & Gerry The Exhibition” curated by artists Tom Lemon and Gerard Cassidy. As listed on Art Rabbit, the exhibition offers a historical, sometimes cinematic glimpse into years gone by, with “Rainham to Limehouse” serving as a nod to their creative imaging journey. Tickets are available via Ticket Tailor for the opening on Friday, 29 May 2026, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, with further details on Tower Hamlets Arts indicating possible weekend extensions to Sunday, 31 May.

St Margaret’s House, a venue known for community arts and wellbeing programmes, provides the setting for this display of printmaking and artistic works.

Gerard Cassidy carries out the bulk of his printmaking at the Shadwell Idea Store near Limehouse, while Tom Lemon produces his artworks at his studio in Rainham, as noted in the event description.

Who are the Curators Tom Lemon and Gerard Cassidy?

Tom Lemon and Gerard Cassidy co-curate the exhibition, bringing their distinct practices from Rainham and East London studios. Lemon’s work originates from his Rainham base, contributing to the journey-themed narrative.

Who is Gerard Cassidy and What Influences His Art?

Gerard Cassidy, a retired printing industry professional, draws inspiration from 1960s artists Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Henri Matisse—wait, Henri Magritte—as per the provided artist statement.

“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,”

states Cassidy in the Art Rabbit listing. Cinema influences include Bronco Bullfrog by Barney Platt Mills, Billy Liar by Keith Waterhouse, and actress Simone Signoret.

Cassidy maintains equipment at home for letterpress printing and studies under tutor Anna Dyke at Shadwell print studio, East London Idea Store, where he produces silk screen prints and recently lino cuts . He connects with Havering Changing, an organisation fostering art in underserved Havering areas, and participates in weekly pottery at Fairkytes Arts Centre, Hornchurch, Essex.

What Techniques Does Gerry Cassidy Use in His Prints?

Cassidy’s prints explore colour, shape, design, and precision. He developed a block printing method during his degree, experimenting before refining woodblock techniques using ink, paper, woodblocks, and a jig for reconfiguration and endless colour combinations . As detailed in the exhibition bio,

“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” .

Further motivations stem from Victor Vasarely’s Alphabet Plastique, Wassily Kandinsky’s compositions, and Helio Oiticica’s colour use. By carving motifs into blocks, Cassidy layers contrasting colours and shapes for visual impact:

“Overlaying blocks, designs and pigments I create pieces to surprise, intrigue and enthrall” .

Where and When Can Visitors See the Exhibition?

The event takes place at The Chapel, St Margaret’s House, accessible via bus services 8, 106, 254, 309, 388, D3, D6, or Bethnal Green Central Line, Liverpool Street National Rail, and Whitechapel Overground. Opening is Friday 29 May 2026, 6:30-8:30 PM, with Art Rabbit and Tower Hamlets Arts suggesting public viewing over the weekend.

St Margaret’s House supports creative health initiatives, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and events in its Grade II listed building. Access notes indicate non-step-free entry to the Chapel; support available via phone or email.

What Themes Does the Exhibition Explore?

The exhibition provides a

“historical, sometimes cinematic glimpse into years gone by,”

linking Rainham (Tom Lemon’s studio) to Limehouse (near Cassidy’s Shadwell workspace) . It highlights printmaking evolution, from Cassidy’s industry background to contemporary experimentation.

No additional media coverage from other journalists was identified in searches across Art Rabbit, Ticket Tailor, or St Margaret’s sites, with details primarily from event listings attributed to the venue and organisers.

Background of the Development

St Margaret’s House has hosted arts exhibitions since the early 20th century, evolving from a settlement house opened in 1889 to a hub for creative health and community events. Venues like the Chapel regularly feature local artists, aligning with East London’s printmaking scene at places like Shadwell Idea Store. Tom Lemon’s Rainham studio and Cassidy’s ties to Havering Changing and Fairkytes reflect grassroots creativity in outer London boroughs.

This exhibition continues the tradition of spotlighting local makers, with Cassidy’s retirement enabling deeper exploration of techniques honed over decades .

Predictions for Local Art Enthusiasts

This development can affect local art enthusiasts by offering accessible entry to printmaking techniques, potentially inspiring workshops or visits to Shadwell Idea Store and Fairkytes. East London residents gain a free or low-cost cultural event near transport links, fostering community ties through shared historical and cinematic themes. Attendees may explore related sites like Havering Changing, broadening appreciation for regional creativity without travel far from Bethnal Green.