Back in February, Enter Gallery was delighted to be asked to assist Tonic@Bankhouse  - the UK’s first LGBTQ+ retirement community – in sourcing art to capture the spirit of their community.

It was a brief that Enter Gallery’s Art Advisors relished, as nothing makes us happier than helping people find art that sparks joy.

In today’s article, we returned to Tonic@Bankhouse to learn how the artworks have made an impression on the residents. We’re also revealing details of a brand new piece from RYCA aka Ryan Callanan, proceeds of which will go directly to Tonic Housing, and to establishing more retirement communities of this kind. 

Introducing Tonic Housing

Tonic Housing is a community-led, not-for-profit organisation that provides LGBT+ affirming housing with care. It celebrates LGBT+ identities and puts community at the very heart of their homes. 

In September 2021, they made history when they launched the UKs first LGBT+ affirming retirement community in Vauxhall, London. It is the first of hopefully many communities of this kind.

Tonic@Bankhouse isn’t just ‘LGBT+ friendly’ – it is ‘genuinely affirming of the lives, histories, needs and desires of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex people, and all other identities in the community.’

In this snap, from left to right are Tonic@Bankhouse residents, Margaret, Steve, Lydia, Min, and Willie. Second from the right is Rachel – a resident of One Housing (the housing provider Tonic's partnered with to create Tonic@Bankhouse), who has made great friends with the Tonic gang, and who is a prime example of how Tonic’s LGBT+ affirming offer is inclusive of everyone in the building. 

The gang stand proudly in front of a new piece by Jayson Lilley, appropriately titled ‘For the Love of London’. Bella Hall of Tonic Housing tells us:


“Most of the reactions to the new piece are about how bright and colourful it is, as well as really representing what Tonic is doing at Tonic@Bankhouse.” 


“Everyone loves the collection of artworks. They liven the place up, and give it more character and colour – it’s the perfect metaphor for our residents!”



 

‘Willie is always telling me his favourite piece is, as he calls it – ‘The Flamingos’, otherwise known as Florida by Paul Fuentes. Anna, our CEO, always refers to Dorothy by Maria Rivans as, ‘Our portrait of our Queen.”

New RYCA Exclusive

To celebrate Pride and everything it represents, British contemporary artist, RYCA, has released a new piece. ‘Sofuckinproud’ is available exclusively at Enter Gallery now.

The artwork is a continuation of RYCA’s hugely popular collection of artworks depicting prevalent sweary sayings. The colourful giclée print is finished with black diamond dust and is from a limited edition of 50, signed and numbered by the artist.

Proceeds from every sale of this piece will go directly to Tonic Housing to help them establish more retirement communities for the LGBT+ community. Get yours here.

"I can't explain to you how happy and grateful the whole team are for this amazing decision the gallery has made for Tonic. We are the first community of this kind in the UK and it has taken a very long time to get to this point and we are finally starting to see the hard work pay off and be recognised outside of the LGBT+ community and organisations." Bella Hall of Tonic Housing 

If you’d like to chat to an Art Advisor for some advice on the kind of art that will really complement your home or business, give the gallery a call on +44 (0)1273 724829, or drop us an email at hello@entergallery.com.