The Lion & The Fox in Clerkenwell, London, is an unusual example of what is becoming a popular trend — diverse creative practices working together under one roof. Usually the photographs on the wall of a hairdresser are curiously dated examples of fashionable haircuts from the previous decade or two, but stylist Tim Pateman’s hair studio is blessed with much more inspiring visual cuts from photographer Leo Cackett. One supposes Leo to be the Lion of the joint operation, and he is the man behind the gallery that shares the space at 28 Hatton Wall.
With Tim having notched up over 23 years of salon and session experience, and Leo an established commercial and editorial photographer, the pair decided a joint business would help them promote their work. A third aspect of the business is a creative agency known as The Lion & The Fox Presents, run by Alex Joyce. As for the environment itself, it’s a two-floor creation by Rich Ryan. Visitors will find a seven-chair salon operation opposite an exhibition space and a tabled community area downstairs. The gallery continues on the lower ground floor, and will host work by Leo, permanent pieces by James Joyce and Will Broome, and a changing selection curated by Melissa Franklin and Tom Godfrey.
