London�s influential and largest privately run artist�s collective, Diesel House Studios, will be holding its annual Summer Exhibition this July (see dates below) with up to 60 artists from across the UK taking part and will be showing over 500 works of art. Last year saw hundreds of visitors to the show and this year should prove no exception with a mailing going out to 70,000 homes across West London.

Since opening to the public in February 2001, Diesel House has built an enviable reputation amongst the arts community and is recognised as one of the best-run arts companies in London. Following a �cultural audit� by the arts consultancy company, Future City, in 2003, Diesel House was selected as the �most knowledgeable and professionally run organisations in West London most likely to help regenerate the arts scene in the area�..and with an intimate knowledge of the cultural gaps and (arts) needs within the borough�

Since then, Diesel House has been actively building its presence within the local area, and is committed to building a vibrant and thriving arts scene for all artists in Chiswick and Brentford. Part of this commitment means building an arts scene over the next few years that is both accessible to local people and supports local community projects.

Following the completion of the Kew Bridge Steam Museum Site, Diesel House then worked with Friends of Dukes Meadows (FODM) to establish the arts community at the Pavilion, Dukes Meadows that has provided a valuable source of income to the FODM trust since inception.

Diesel House�s latest project, based on Johnson�s Island, Brentford, represents the biggest undertaking yet. Last August, work started on the renovation and conservation of the 200 year-old lock keepers cottage and out

Johnson's Island from the canal

buildings. Great care has been taken to preserve all the original features, with 90% of all materials being obtained from reclamation yards and recycling sources, which is in keeping with the local habitat and one of the last remaining historical sites in Brentford.

There are now seven painters based on the island (some of which who are also sculptors, photographers and printmakers) and a potter/ceramicist, aptly named, �Girls on Kiln�. The environment is a tranquil hideaway that has been deliberately renovated without any 21st technology, so the only way you can visit is by making an appointment via the website.

The island has been transformed thanks to the generous support of the artists based on the island and the good wishes and encouragement from the residents of Brentford Lock and Brentway Trading Estate and local businesses including Greaves & Thomas, The Brewery Tap, Marvin Architectural Windows & Doors and the local Hand Car Wash.

We estimate that by the end of the year, Johnson�s Island will accommodate up to 12 artists and will be the epicentre of a thriving arts community that will create a unique place of interest for everyone in the area.

Following this, the island hopes to hold monthly art sales, with local artists hanging their works on the fence along the pathway which crosses the island (who needs Hyde Park!!) and is currently working with TW8.com to become involved in a local music and arts festival.

Diesel House�s future plans for the area include up to a further 40 studios and two galleries which would help firmly establish Brentford as a centre of cultural importance and help build a renaissance for the arts scene in West London.

The work that visitors will be treated to at the Summer Exhibition, will represent the best in British Contemporary Art, including the best artists from the borough, with artists showing work in a diverse range of media including sculpture, prints, paintings, ceramics, jewellery and textiles. They will also find that they have the opportunity to meet most of the artists, as well as being able to relax in Diesel House�s informal atmosphere, which along with our famous hospitality, is the envy of many galleries and studios. This will be helped along with the complimentary wine being served throughout the show. There will be a rich selection of work to suit every taste and with prices starting at around £25 there will be something for everyone.

For those visitors that need an excuse to come to the show, Diesel House will be also hosting a wine tasting on the private view evening that will be organised and arranged by Waitrose, who will be offering visitors who buy on the night special discounts.

Diesel House will be opening both of their sites at Kew Bridge Steam Museum and at Johnson�s Island, so to allow everyone to enjoy the wine and the art without any hassle, one of Diesel House�s biggest and most passionate supporters, (Anna, a local resident) will be driving a coach between the two venues between 5.00pm and 9.00pm.

Look forward to seeing you there�!!