Introduction to KARST, Plymouth

KARST is a small art gallery in Plymouth that is absolutely worth a visit.  

I am always concerned about how to get to somewhere new and then, once I am there, how do I get in.  These are things I absolutely research before going somewhere new as I hate that feeling of not knowing where I am going or not being able to find the right way.  It's fine if I am not alone but by myself it really is not something I am comfortable facing.  

For me to go somewhere like KARST definitely required a little research.  It's a little out of the town centre, though not too far to walk if you want to.  Not being from Plymouth, I was unfamiliar with the area and it's clear this is a working area.  If you follow Royal Parade to the west, beyond Derry Cross, it turns in to Union Street as it makes it way through Stonehouse.  Union Street is a busy route through the city, edged with blocks of flats, Aldi and Lidl and commercial premises.  The area has a lot of great street art too.

Parallel to Union Street is a warren of smaller streets and a more industrial feel that can feel daunting to visit.  At night, I am not sure these are back streets I would wander alone but during the day, these are places full of people working.  It may not be an obvious area for a tourist to visit but it is absolutely fine, just a little more edgy, a little more industrial.  Honestly it's the perfect setting for a gallery like KARST.

George Place is easy to find, it's on the same side as Aldi and Lidl, but parrallel to Union Street.  I got the bus, so coming from the city centre I got off on the correct side and I back tracked a little and took to road between Aldi and the scrapstore.  Passing East Street, George Place was next and I turned right to get there, with KARST on my right. Leaving I went the other way to reach the return bus stop, turning right out of KARST and then right again to return to Union Street by Lidl.  There is a crossing there and it is easy to find the return bus stop.

The 21 and 21A go along this route from town and using the Plymouth Citibus, it was easy to navigate.  If you wanted to, you could also approach it from the other side.  The 34 bus runs along Millbay Road which is parallel to Union Street with KARST sitting between the two.  You could also walk from the centre if you wanted to.

I don't know what the building was used for before but the main exhibition room was obviously a large room.  With it's white walls and painted concrete floor, its a great backdrop.  Partition walls have been added to break the room up and increase the exhibition space.  I have no idea though if these walls are permanent (yet).

The outside was well signposted and the door was obvious.  I loved the rusty steel shutter that would be pulled over the entrance when the gallery is closed.  I suspect it is corten steel and I have a huge affection for it's use in architecture.  The shutter splits in two and frames the gallery door when it is open.  I always appreciate when an entrance is clear!

The staff inside were friendly and helpful in the reception area but left me to explore the gallery myself.  A great combination.

The gallery is open from Wednesday to Saturday, from 11 until 5, when there is an exhibition.  I would absolutely check before going to the gallery as the change over between exhibitions is quite long.  Entry is free.

I very much look forward to my next visit!

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