Member Spotlight – Annie Sherburne
One of the Guild’s newest members, artist Annie Sherburne, is curating Container 43, an exciting new exhibition bringing together original artworks from 27 artists, each exploring their own unique vision.
Exhibition Details
Show: Container 43
Dates: 24–28 September 2026
Venue: Espacio Gallery
Address: 159 Bethnal Green Rd, London E2 7DG
Meet Annie in person this September at Espacio Gallery—and read on to get to know her in her own words:
“I have been an artist and maker for my whole life. I had my first stall at the Hampstead Open Air Exhibition when I was just 14. I went on to study at Central Saint Martins and Goldsmiths, and set up my business after graduating.
In 1990, I independently redeveloped my design practice around ecological principles. Over the next decade, I won international design prizes and received recognition from HRH King Charles for my contribution to defining ecological textiles and fashion. Alongside my late husband, I ran shops showcasing our work as well as pieces by other makers—including a shop on Columbia Road, E2, which we ran for 11 years.
I’ve curated and exhibited the work of many artists and taught at numerous universities and colleges as a visiting lecturer. This has given me a deep understanding of art education, the heavy debt students incur, and how hard it is to make a living after college.
At its heart, my gallerist enterprise is a very practical project. While I continue to make costume jewellery and artwork myself, this space offers real opportunities for artists to show their work. From digital prints and tactile forms to fine beadwork and traditional academic painting, this inaugural show celebrates exceptional diversity and talent. It exists to build connections through the joy of creative expression.
Connecting with Guild members has been deeply inspirational. Having spent years on committees, collectives, and cooperatives, working together to build shared value has always been central to my life. I’m particularly excited about the Land Trust initiative—it is wonderfully sensible and inspiring all at once. Collaborative work can be challenging, but it is immensely rewarding, joyful, and purposeful. I look forward to offering my support wherever I can to help move the Guild’s work forward. I always prefer meeting face-to-face over endless emails; when we know each other, we build trust and get things done faster. Ultimately, we’re human—we thrive on connection.
Creativity is often treated as a luxury, but without it, we miss the richness of life. Art is like slow music: it lingers. It is often created and enjoyed in solitude, turning the walls of a home into something uniquely yours. Making art is a calling, and artists need support from people who know what it takes to bring work out of the studio and into a space where audiences can engage, share, and appreciate it. We need audiences for art, music, and dance because sharing these experiences brings genuine joy.
I am taking a leap of faith, and I hope people will support these artists by buying their work—that is how a community truly adopts its makers.
If anyone would like to help hang the show or invigilate with me, please join in! It will be fun, and it helps build a sustainable gallery! Let’s make Container 43 for everyone!”