Today
This timeline is a journey through 20 years of artsdepot, told through archive materials, milestone moments, and key national events. But it’s really a history shaped by people - artists, audiences, staff, participants, and partners. You may even spot yourself in the photos! Which moments do you remember? Which shaped your own story?
In 1937, a stunning art deco cinema opens at Tally Ho Corner, seating 2,165 people. Designed by W.E. Trent and adorned with a Portland stone bas-relief by Newbury A. Trent, it becomes a cultural hub for North Finchley. Saturday mornings bring joy with children’s cartoons, while evenings feature Hollywood glamour. For five decades, The Gaumont is the beating heart of local entertainment. Its final screening in 1980, The Last Picture Show, feels symbolic - a farewell to an era of shared cinematic magic.
At Barnet Council’s 'Barnet 2000' conference, locals ask a simple question: “Why don’t we have an arts centre?” That question ignites a movement. Throughout the late 1990s, momentum builds. Partnerships form, resources are gathered, and the dream of a creative hub for North Finchley starts to feel possible. This is the moment our story truly begins.
Barnet Council backs the idea of an arts centre to rejuvenate Tally Ho Corner and asks the public to support it too. A public meeting at The Bull Theatre invites community voices to share and respond to the vision for a vibrant venue for families, artists, and economic renewal. Despite the challenge of a £45m development, optimism grows as plans take shape.
In December, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell launches the project at the Tally Ho Pub. A bold campaign, Wherever your art is, appears across billboards and bus shelters. Photographer Thomas Claxton is commissioned to document the build, capturing the transformation of Tally Ho Corner into a cultural landmark.
Protests erupt as Conservatives propose converting the site into a library. The community responds with passion and creativity - masks, banners, and even a performance by Madness at a rally. The council backs down, and the arts centre vision prevails. This year also marks Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, adding a sense of national celebration to local drama.
On 26 June, under a clear blue sky, optimism fills the air. The construction project is almost complete – a ceremonial yew branch is lifted by crane, and Miranda Richardson skims the final brick, marking a triumphant milestone. The UK sees its hottest day on record this summer, but in Finchley, the heat is matched by excitement for what’s to come.
artsdepot opens its doors on 23 October, welcoming over 2,500 visitors for a Community Open Day. November brings official ceremonies with Tessa Jowell, MP Rudi Vis, Evelyn Glennie, and Prince Edward. The inaugural programme features a performance from Evelyn Glennie and an exhibition by avant-garde artist and musician Bill Drummond as well as others by local artists. This is also the year Facebook launches, signalling a new era of connectivity.
Three artists are selected for inaugural commissions. Richard Sharples creates the Pebble Man sculpture, and Katie Mills designs a vibrant panel titled Dance. Both works remain proudly on display, symbolizing our commitment to creativity and community.
Tracy Cooper takes the helm as CEO, succeeding Alison Duthie, and leads artsdepot through the next 16 years of growth and innovation.
Despite the global financial crash, artsdepot powers on. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performs Beethoven and Mozart, while exhibitions showcase works by David Hockney from the V&A collections and French masters from The Courtauld Gallery. Culture thrives even in hard times.
artsdepot launches a new initiative to support emerging talent. The first associates include Parrot (in the) Tank, A Thousand Cranes, Igloo, and Charlie Dark, marking a bold step toward nurturing creativity.
Barnet Council withdraws £180,000 in annual funding, forcing tough decisions and severe expenditure cuts. The business model undergoes a major upheaval yet artsdepot adapts, survives, and thrives. Arts Council England continues its support, helping sustain a rich and varied programme.
As the Olympic Torch passes by, we head outdoors. artsdepot organises an Olympic performance in Victoria Park; aerial theatre and Kathak dance dazzle audiences. A daytime festival draws hundreds of families for performances and creative fun, the same year Britain's first 4G mobile network is launched.
To mark our 10th anniversary, artsdepot hosts The Secret Theatre Festival with Lyric Hammersmith and co-produces Beegu. Staff and volunteers take part in David Grieg’s powerful play The Events. Meanwhile, Gangnam Style hits 2 billion views and same-sex marriage becomes legal in the UK.
A long-held ambition becomes reality. With Arts Council funding, we are able to upgrade facilities and bring the Creation Space into existence. Over 80 artists and companies have since developed new work here, starting with HighRise Theatre’s The Concrete Jungle Book.
artsdepot launches Matinee Lunch Clubs - joyful afternoons for older people, many from local care homes, and their carers. Guests share a hot meal in the bright atrium, then enjoy live music, theatre, or a performance that sparks smiles and conversation. Sometimes, the rhythm proves irresistible and a few guests take to the floor for a dance.
artsdepot builds a major partnership to enrich learning for children and young people, especially those with special needs or outside mainstream education. A three-year programme is funded and launched.
During lockdown, we deliver 167 online performances, virtual workshops, and exhibitions. Collaborations include Southbank Centre’s Art by Post, reaching isolated individuals with creative workbooks. Young people take part in artsdepot’s Life After Lockdown online project, the same year that Edward Colston’s statue is toppled during a Black Lives Matter protest in Bristol.
Pictured - Young people taking part in our Life After Lockdown online project.
Monique Deletant steps in as CEO, succeeding Tracy Cooper and beginning a new chapter for artsdepot.
To celebrate two decades, we welcome back Dame Evelyn Glennie and develop an exhibition exploring artsdepot’s journey through oral histories and community stories. Meanwhile, TV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office ignites public interest in the national British Post Office scandal.
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