Established in 2016 by an early-stage investor firm, Garage Soho, The Smallest Gallery in Soho introduces passers-by to exceptional art. Located in the very heart of Soho, with front facing onto Dean Street, the venue exhibits artworks that inspire people to stop for a while and contemplate. Working under the motto “A small space, with BIG ideas“, the gallery aims to revive Soho’s once-vibrant creative spirit with free, engaging exhibitions visible from the streets. Every installation is site-specific and made by a new artist. Currently, the gallery presents a solo show by British artist Alex Ford, and just like all others, it will remain on view for two to three months. Entitled Apex Predators, the show is staged in collaboration with Rump gallery, and will last between September 12 and November 29, 2025.
One-of-a-kind exhibition space in the heart of Soho
Every exhibition is followed by a unique set of lighting requirements. However, the general idea always remains the same to achieve maximum impact with minimal means. That’s, of course, includes a very small lighting budget. To overcome this issue, the gallery’s light designer Ana Stojadinovic uses a simple toolbox of equipment that’s continually modified and repurposed, and only occasionally upgraded and improved. Basic track-mounted spotlights provide the accent lighting, while compatible LED lamps with suitable colour temperatures, filters, lenses, and beam angles complete the design.
Energy-saving lighting design
Sockets and wall switches are equipped with plugin timers that allow time-based control, for daytime and nighttime lighting scenarios, and a dynamic on-off effect. Normally, the lighting works only between 3 pm and 11 pm and shuts down automatically, thus preserving energy. The existing control and light fittings are used and reused creatively and efficiently. A manual local dimmer can balance light levels. Further on, the design adapts old lighting fixtures to new uses, enabling them to be employed in a variety of art installations, regardless of how different they are. The use and reuse of a standard set of tools to answer the needs of different exhibiting artists and the equipment that’s occasionally borrowed and then returned to the manufacturers all contribute to the sustainability of the design.
Syntax Lighting
The Smallest Gallery in Soho lighting design received Honorable Mention at the LIT Lighting Design Awards in 2024. The project has been headed by Ana Stojadinovic of Syntax Lighting a London based lighting design practice that considers lighting as an integral part of architecture and interior design. The company’s designs have graced all types of high profile architectural projects, including pubs, retail, hotels, spas, exterior and landscape in the UK and abroad. Some of their notable projects include the design for Wimpole Dental Clinic, The Flower Bar & School, The Yellow Mulberry Tree gallery, and 33 Wigmore Street – Interiors & Entrance canopy (Grade II listed building).
Photo Credit: Syntax Lighting
