The Antithesis of the White Box – Francis Gallery Los Angeles by BC

Designed by Los Angeles-based studio BC in collaboration with the founder, gallerist Rosa Park, Francis Gallery Los Angeles (Francis LA) challenges the aura of typical art institutions. Characterised by natural materials and soft lighting, this modest but mighty space is an emotive framework for art – one that exists in even conversation with the pieces lining its walls.

Francis LA is the younger sibling to the gallery’s original location in Bath, England, and while the two are inherently connected through their philosophies and perspectives, they each have a distinctive identity, explains Rosa (who also founded travel and style magazine Cereal). “I’m a big fan of environment and setting informing experience,” she says, adding, “[the Bath gallery] is in a very classic Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse, so by virtue of that, the feeling is radically different because you really can’t get two cities that are more diametrically opposed than Bath and LA.”

As Lindsey Chan – one half of BC – says, “many of the galleries here in LA use a very simple formula, but Rosa had spoken to us about creating a space that was warm and representative of Francis, as well as integrating some of her Korean heritage into the design.”

Located on Melrose Avenue behind a concrete shopfront, Francis LA is immediately distinguished from not only its Bath counterpart but also from typical gallery conditions. Conceived as a sanctuary in West Hollywood, the restful feeling upon stepping inside is intentional and enveloping. As Lindsey Chan – one half of BC – says, “many of the galleries here in LA use a very simple formula, but Rosa had spoken to us about creating a space that was warm and representative of Francis, as well as integrating some of her Korean heritage into the design.”

This nuanced point of reference ultimately guided the design response, and it runs through the project as a continuous and authentic undertone. Notably, the palette is a textural yet restrained medley of cobblestones, timber, linen and limewash paint, providing an unusual and endearing backdrop, and various details speak to the meaning behind this collaboration. For example, the entrance, which is crafted from limestone – a material ubiquitous to the city of Bath – is engraved with the project’s address as a reflection of permanence and integrity.

Located on Melrose Avenue behind a concrete shopfront, Francis LA is immediately distinguished from not only its Bath counterpart but also from typical gallery conditions.

The floor plan contributes to the gallery’s loose and informal experience. A curved partition wall located in the centre of the primary room disrupts the otherwise open volume and guides the spatial sequence. As Jerome Byron, also of BC, says, “this break allows for flow and directionality without feeling harsh; it’s soft and gradual and allows you to meander.” He adds that “it doesn’t give it all away at once. For me, this is one of the most exciting parts of the space and represents what we, as a studio, like – a component of architecture and interior design with materials, colours, atmosphere and light.” Beyond this room is an outdoor space where a solitary Japanese maple stands in a cobblestone courtyard, and a long timber bench invites pause and contemplation.

All these outcomes fit well within the project’s clear rationale for a calming, almost meditative space. Where the white box gallery pulls ideas into sharp focus, Francis Gallery gently asks for slow and deliberate consideration within the broader context of art, architecture and design – a refreshing change of pace.