For two decades, StolenSpace Gallery has shaped the visual pulse of East London, championing artists who blur the lines between subculture and contemporary art. Co-founded by Eve Hennings and the artist D*Face, the gallery helped define Shoreditch’s creative identity long before it became a global destination for street art. What began as DIY exhibitions and underground events has grown into one of the city’s most recognisable hubs for urban-influenced work, grounded in authenticity and community. As StolenSpace approaches its 20th anniversary, we caught up with Eve to talk evolution, neighbourhood change, and the legacy of a gallery built from passion rather than tradition.
Interview with StolenSpace Co-Founder Eve Hennings
Can you introduce yourself and your role at StolenSpace Gallery?
I’m Eve, the co-founder of StolenSpace Gallery alongside the artist D*Face. We originally worked together as designers in our mid-20’s and the creative journey started from there. I’m the sensible one who pulls the reins in a bit, he is the creative one who focuses on the vision and curation. I manage all aspects of running the gallery with a dedicated all-female team and oversee the business as a whole!
For readers who aren’t familiar, how would you describe StolenSpace and the kind of art you champion?
StolenSpace is a contemporary art gallery who exhibit artists that wouldn’t necessarily be given the space in a traditional gallery space. All our artists are influenced by various subcultures which could be anything from skateboarding, tattoo art, punk music to urban art and graffiti.
We exhibit a large roster of international artists, and we ship artworks all over the world to a very international clientele, and we have exhibited in places such as Madrid, Paris, Berlin, LA and Miami.
You’ve been rooted in Shoreditch for two decades. How has the neighbourhood shaped StolenSpace — and how have you watched it change?
We’ve been in Shoreditch now for 20 years, first in the Truman Brewery and for the last 12 years at the end of Brick Lane in Osborn Street, and D had his studio in various places such as Plough Yard and Sclater Street.
We’ve seen Shoreditch develop massively in that time. It’s always been a very creative area and it’s been exciting to see the different retail spots come and go; we’ve been here since our 20’s when we were also growing up.
We’ve shared that journey with lots of artists that we have also had the privilege to exhibit and brought to our neighbourhood from all corners of the globe, which in turn also developed the street art in the neighbourhood and set it apart, so it has a very special place in our hearts.
→ Explore more stories from London’s creative community in our Creatives & Creators category, where we spotlight artists shaping the cultural landscape.
You turned StolenSpace Gallery into a Shoreditch institution. What was your original vision for the gallery, and how has it evolved?
When we first started we were just having fun, we had been organising ‘Finders Keepers’ street gallery events with like-minded artists, and had a short gallery run called the ‘Outside Institute’ so we had a following, which mainly back then was word on the streets as there wasn’t Instagram or the social media we have today!
We had been given a very affordable space that made it viable, and it was creating a platform for all of our friends to exhibit their creations! In that time, the ‘underground’ art we exhibited has become established and we are still here!
Street art has exploded into the mainstream. Do you see that shift as a victory — or do you miss some of the underground energy of the early days?
There was definitely a lot of excitement and buzz back in the beginning, we were hanging out with Banksy and connecting with like-minded artists travelling all over the world. There was a feeling of freedom and that we were able to be creative, and try to make a living from it.
Now we are almost old enough to be some of our artists’ parents! We like to think we impart our wisdom and encourage the movement of urban art.
Shoreditch has morphed dramatically over the past two decades. How do you view its transformation — as inspiration, frustration, or a bit of both?
You have to love the good and the bad in Shoreditch, it’s what makes it what it is! The dirtiness and the loveliness!
Looking ahead, what’s next for StolenSpace Gallery? New murals, new mediums — or something completely unexpected?
Our next show is with Kai & Sunny with guest artist D*Face! We also are turning 20 years old, so we are planning a big show in 2026 exhibiting all of our artists!