A Bermondsey landowner is funding a new architecture contest on the site of the Skip House and previously Stompie the Tank at Page’s Walk.
Antepavilion – an art and architects charity based in Hackney – is running their contest for the seventh time, which will see the winner get £25,000.
The architecture competition is usually located in Hoxton Docks, but it has been moved to Bermondsey after a legal dispute between the charity and Hackney Borough Council surrounding a previous winner’s work.
The site, 105 Page’s Walk, is known locally for being the home of the Skip House for the last year, and before that, the well-loved Soviet tank named Stompie – which sat there for 25 years and was regularly repainted by locals.
The much-loved Bermondsey landmark, which stood at the corner of Page’s Walk and Mandela Way, was removed in 2022 by landowner Russell Gray for a restoration.
Last April, military enthusiast Russell commented on why he removed the tank – suggesting it was too historically important to be ‘painted by random graffiti artists.’
Despite him not ruling out the return of Stompie one day – this new exhibition set for August calls that into question.
News that the space will be filled with another statement art piece – backed by Russell’s historic regeneration specialist company Shiva, also comes as most spots of land in the capital are sold off to developers.
But after hearing the plans, Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Neil Coyle said it’s a ‘shame’.
The Labour MP commented: “When Stompie disappeared we were told it was for repairs – and we all thought it was coming back.
“Given Russia is emptying museums of ex-Soviet kit because it is having such a disastrous time in Ukraine, perhaps it’s more likely to be recommissioned by Putin.”
“Of course, not every resident liked the tank – but whatever Russell’s plans are, they are keen to be involved in some way.”
He added: “Good luck with the art competition, but it’s a shame about Stompie.”
Applications are now open to all for the contest, which requests pieces in line with the theme – Earthwork.
The ambiguity of the theme appears to be deliberate, but examples suggest it could include anything created through the processing of parts of the earth’s surface involving soil or unformed rock.
The winning team’s art is set to be unveiled on 1 August and according to Antepavilion, the length of time it will be on the site is unknown. The £25,000 includes a £10,000 prize fund and £15,000 for construction and material.
Construction, to be completed over no more than 6 weeks, can be arranged to suit the winners from mid-May to late July.
To enter visit their website antepavilion.org and fill out the online form. Alternatively, email any questions to admin@antepavilion.org
The closing date for ideas is 15 March.