Art SPECIAL REPORT
William Wells Founder, Townhouse Gallery Egypt circuitous path lead to William Wells opening the Townhouse, the preeminent contemporary art space in Cairo and arguably, the Middle East. After completing studies in ancient history and fine arts in London, he renovated a derelict luggage factory there, transforming it into an arts centre. Wells initially intended to do the same in Cairo in 1985, but instead, became fascinated by bedouin life and involved himself in rural development work. He later taught secondary school-level art, but kept returning to his dream of establishing a gallery in Cairo. He finally did so with the founding of the Townhouse Gallery in 1998, coinciding with the rise of talented contemporary arts in Egypt and the region. An art space – offering film screenings, concerts, experimental exhibitions, and even rehearsal rooms – the Townhouse Gallery is positioned at the centre of an emerging contemporary scene. Wells shepherded the Townhouse amidst Egypt’s social and political upheaval, but despite the constant flux, he remains optimistic. “I anticipate the current situation will prove to be an important catalyst in furthering an already robust art community.”
March / April 2012 GC 39