Accessibility Information

Visitors with disabilities are very welcome. We are located in a Grade II listed, 18th-century building, so access to the Studios and Gallery is not always straightforward. Our primary business is studio space provision, and we offer six accessible studio spaces with an accessible WC. Please note that the accessible WC is accessed via a different route, which is not available to visitors of the Gallery and Project Space.

Steam Works Gallery is located on the 1st floor, and unfortunately, we do not have a lift at present. We are aware of the accessibility challenges and are actively working to improve accessibility in the Gallery and Residency spaces.

If you are visiting the Gallery and Project Space areas as a member of the public, please be aware of the following accessibility limitations:

The building has uneven flooring.
The space contains many stairs, which are made of wood and are very old, resulting in an uneven and rough surface.
Some areas are narrow.
The Gallery is on the 1st floor, and there is no lift.
We have a portable ramp available for certain areas—please contact us in advance if you require it.
Different seating is available throughout the space.

See below for more detailed information.

Please get in touch before your visit, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you have a positive experience. Email: info@wipspace.co.uk

Physically Disabled Visitors

Currently, we cannot offer step-free access to the Gallery. However, our Project Space is accessible via a portable ramp.

We also have accessible studio spaces, an accessible WC, and seating available in designated areas, but please note that the accessible WC is accessed via a separate route that is not available to visitors of the Gallery and Project Space. The studio spaces are advertised with their accessibility guides when available. For more information on how to apply for a studio, please see here.

Unfortunately, our Residency Space is not accessible at this time, as it is accessed via stairs.

If you use crutches or a walking stick, please be aware of the stairs and uneven steps that may present challenges.

Blind and Partially Sighted Visitors

If you’d like a spoken tour of the exhibition, please let us know prior to your visit by emailing: info@wipspace.co.uk

Large-print copies of exhibition labels and panels are available upon request. Please email: info@wipspace.co.uk

Guide dogs are welcome.

Further Information about the Public Spaces

Entry into the Building

We have a door entry system on the gate below the WIP Space sign. Please scroll through the options and find "Steam Works" or "WIP Space," then press the hashtag button to ring someone working at the space. The door entry system is a phone system, and someone will let you know they will come down to open the door for you and help guide you through the space. As the space is large, it might take some time for them to come and let you in. Please see opening and other times here.

Detailed Seating Information

Gallery (1st Floor): A seating area is available in the communal space at the back of the gallery. The space has a mix of stools and chairs with armrests and a back, and two low armchairs.

Project Space (Ground Floor): Seating is available opposite the Project Space, near the entrance where we host opening drinks. The space has chairs with armrests and a back.

Additional Seating: Portable stools are available on request. Please ask a member of staff if you need one.

Images of the Space

See below for images of the spaces mentioned.

The entrance to WIP Space and Steamworks

This image shows part of the WIP Space building. It is a Georgian house with a wall and gate at the front. Below the WIP Space sign, the door entry phone is visible.

The gallery space on the 1st floor

An image of the gallery space when empty. The space is large with high ceilings and skylights.

The communal area in the gallery

This image shows the communal area in the gallery, a space with stools, round tables, and two soft-backed chairs. Off-camera, there are additional chairs with backs and armrests.

The project space on the ground floor

This image shows the empty project space, a medium-sized room with two windows facing the garden.

The meeting room

This image shows the meeting room, which is used during openings. The room features a dark orange-red colour and looks out into the garden. A green, soft chair is visible here, while off-camera, there are chairs with armrests and backs.