This month we speak to Karen and Olivia, the artists behind the unique DOK Artist Space in Leith. You would be forgiven for walking past the unassuming steel shed, dismissing it as a left-over from the area’s industrial history. Although the space is most definitely still a relic from Leith’s golden shipbuilding era, this particular shed has been given a new lease of life thanks to Edinburgh-based artists Karen and Olivia, who have transformed it into a creative hub.
Tell us a bit about yourselves and your backgrounds.
DOK is a non profit, artist led project that offers affordable studio and exhibition space to Scottish based artists. DOK works with visual artists from various backgrounds and nationalities, on an ongoing basis.
Karen Fleming and Olivia Turner met while studying Painting at Edinburgh College of Art. Karen is originally from Edinburgh, while Olivia is from Huddersfield. They are both working artists as well as joint founders of DOK. Karen lives in Portobello with husband Mark and their 15 year old daughter Elise, while Olivia lives in Leith with her partner Josh.
How did the idea for DOK come about? What inspired you to create this space?
One of the key driving factors behind the project is the lack of affordable and unique artist studio space in Edinburgh. Refurbishing The Steel Shed was the first step towards creating a vibrant artistic hub. 2017 saw a second space completed, in the form of a 40ft shipping container that was donated by Forth Ports, which we transformed into more studio and exhibition provision.
Another core aspiration is enabling the wider community to engage with DOK projects, as well as giving people the opportunity to buy artwork directly from artists at a reduced cost. This process will be beneficial to the artists, allowing them to continue developing ideas and projects that will engage with the community.
Can you tell us a bit about the background the building itself?
The DOK Art Space sits in an area that used to be Henry Robb Shipyards. Founded in 1918, the yards covered the area where Ocean Terminal now stands, its workers constructing scores of merchant and Royal navy vessels which were then launched into Western Harbour. Unfortunately, Scotland’s manufacturing industries were run down by the Thatcher government in the 1980s and the shipyard gates closed in 1983.
As the yard was demolished, one building survived: a metal construction known variously as ‘the paint shed’ or simply ‘the steel shed.’ This truly unique structure was given a B-Listing by Historic Scotland, preserving it while the rest of the shipyards around it were scrapped. Unfortunately the building was de-listed by Historic Scotland at the end of 2016!
The shed was built during the Second World War. At that time, the yards were crucial to the war effort, constructing and repairing warships and support vessels. The Admiralty commissioned a building for storing plans that would withstand direct hits from German bombs. The apprentices were given the opportunity to hone their metalwork skills, building this shed like the superstructure of a seagoing vessel. Its roof was made from steel, and the wall frames were riveted angle iron plates. They even inserted portholes. The construction was built on two levels, the upper floor being accessible via an internal ladder, and an exterior staircase (the latter was removed some time ago.) The plans were rolled up and shoved into pigeonholes. Former apprentices describe how they dreaded being sent to the shed for a particular blueprint, as they were difficult to find! The lower floor also saw use as a First Aid station.
As the years wore on the shed was also used as a paint store, but after 1983, it fell into disuse. In 1994, its unique historic background saw the shed being granted B-listed status, saving it from the fate of the other Robb’s buildings that were systematically demolished. Unfortunately however, Historic Scotland de-listed the shed at the end of 2016, so the future of the building is no longer secure.
You are proud of offering affordable studio space to artists in Leith. Can you tell us a bit about some of your artists in residence?
The artists that work in our studios are primarily painters and sculptors. We made a decision from the start to house what we saw as “messier” artists as we feel there is even less studio provision for this type of artist. More information about all of our artists can be found on our website.
DOK Artist space hosts lots of different events. What events do you have coming up (that Hidden Edinburgh readers might be interested in attending)?
We have 2 exhibitions coming up at the end of May. First, a photography exhibition in Studio Two, and then a contemporary art exhibition called ‘Nothing in Common’ in The Shed.
We run an ongoing programme of art exhibitions. Check out our website for more upcoming events and exhibitions – there is always lots going on!
What do you like most about Leith? Any hidden gems (other than DOK Artist space of course) that people should check out?
Leith has so many things to offer and has a huge history. There is a great arts scene at the moment. Leith Late, Leith Creative, Custom House, The Biscuit Factory, and Leith Depot are just a few places that people should definitely check out. The vibrant art scene in Leith offers some wonderful hidden gems just waiting to be discovered!
