Artist FAQs
for pop-up, event and shoot FAQs please click here
Rates and bookings
How much does it cost to hire THREE ROOMS for a pop-up or event?
Our pop-up rate is £799 per full week. That's around half the average cost of hiring somewhere similar in zone 3.
Can I have the space at an even lower rate?
Three Rooms is a labour of love. For much of the year we subsidise emerging artists so they can show their work, and we can't go any lower and stay afloat. We do sometimes have time-limited offers, and occasionally there are last minute cancellations or unbooked slots at bargain rates (less than 3 weeks' notice) - please get in touch to go on our pop-up mailing list, and follow @threerooms_e17 to hear first.
Can I hire the space for a weekend or a few days?
We only hire in blocks of one week, Tuesday 9am to Monday 5pm, to avoid 'orphan' days.
Can I start my booking on a day other than Tuesday?
Hire blocks start on Tuesday so you can be open on both Saturday and Sunday and de-install Monday. We can check you in later if you want, but you'd still have to check out on Monday 5pm sharp.
Installing
Why do you have a hanging system?
To keep our hire rates this low, we need to keep maintenance costs to a minimum. A hanging system allows artwork and items for sale to be hung from transparent cords from a rail at ceiling height, for quick install and de-install. It can cope with most things!
Ask for our hanging system info sheet for detailed information about hooks and loads.
If you're considering a longer booking, we know of a reasonably priced shelf system which can be hung from a hanging rail - get in touch for more info.
Can I drill into the walls, or stick anything directly to them?
Drilling isn't possible for bookings of under a month unfortunately, but we allow certain sticky products for a £30 supplement.
All adhesive products, even 'non-marking' or 'no-stain' ones, leave residue which shows up later as grease/dust marks, and increased finger-marks - the £30 supplement covers the extra wear and tear and applies to these three specific branded adhesive products only:
3M Command Strips™ (no other brand)
Yellow Frogtape™ (no other colour or brand)
Bostik removable glu dots™ (green pack, removable only, no extra strong, no other brand)
You'll still be responsible for ensuring that the walls aren't damaged, so removing the products carefully is important.
IMPORTANT: blu tack or white tack leave permanent recurring stains. Use of these and any sticky products/tapes other than the three named above incurs a £150 fixed penalty.
Openings
What do you provide for openings/private views?
There’s a fridge to cool drinks and a small table to put them on. You’ll need to provide glasses or paper cups for your guests.
We can provide a blank floorplan for your exhibition handout.
How late can my opening run?
We've committed to an 8pm finish because they're a weekly thing for our lovely neighbours, but there are lots of places nearby to continue your gathering - just let your IG followers know where the after-party will be.
What's included in the price?
Electricity
Lighting and electricity is included.
Heating
Gas central heating is included in the hire rate, but we cap it at £35 per week. This is plenty for a comfortable temperature in winter, but allows those who need it super warm to pay for that option. We'll take a meter reading at the start, and show you how to keep tabs on how much you're using. At the end, we'll work out the kW/h used and simply deduct anything over £35-worth from your deposit at our supplier's rate, which is 12.59p per kWh. Either way, the standing daily charge is covered by us.
Wifi
We'll give you the password at check-in
Alarm system
We'll show you how to use it and give you the code at check-in.
What other equipment is provided?
There are six plinths for your use, and two hanging rods for very heavy work.
The hanging caddy contains five types of hook, a tape measure, picture wire, clear nylon cord, adhesive spacers, plus painters' and magic tape for tidying cords.
There are two stepladders, one tall, one short.
There’s also spirit level and a laser level.
There are 2 A-boards which take up to an A2 poster
See our full kit list here.
Do you provide tech help?
We’ll show you how to use the hanging system, but you’ll need to do the install yourself or hire a tech to help you. We've got some suggestions if you need a recommendation.
Is staffing included in the rate?
No! But we provide two sets of keys so you can share the load. There's a safe place to leave keys if you need to pass them to others.
Do I need public liability insurance?
Yes, you'll need to show us this before your booking begins - short-term cover is available at reasonable rates.
Is parking included in the rate?
Street parking is free between 4pm and 10am - after that, you'll need a visitors permit which we can provide at £15 per day.
Do you have window grilles?
No, but the space is alarmed and in a very safe and alert residential neighbourhood.
During your booking
Can I run a workshop during my hire?
Yes, we’re open to almost anything which won’t cause damage or be really loud - please check with us before booking. We can’t accommodate children’s workshops unfortunately. You'll need to provide tables and chairs if required if necessary, but the floor is fine for something casual after a quick mop!
Are performances ok?
Please have a chat with us first, we'll do our best to accommodate.
Can we use the garden?
Yes, for lunch breaks etc, but it isn’t accessible to the public yet.
Can the front area be used?
Yes it can as long as you don't extend onto the pavement itself. Best to bring everything inside when the gallery is closed
Can I use window vinyls?
Yes, we have a great recommendation who will print and install your window lettering.
Do you have A-boards?
Yes, one for outside the gallery, another to leave near the busy Orford Rd shops and cafes. Both take A2 or A3 posters. See our full kit list below.
General
2 sets of key (yale and chubb)
1 alarm fob
alarm code
wifi code
Installation
6 white plinths
hanging cords - +/- 40 at < 1.5m, and 10 at 3m long
hooks - five types
2 x hanging rods for very heavy work.
tape measure + scissors + hacksaw
picture wire + clear nylon cord + adhesive spacers
painters tape and/or magic tape for tidying cords.
1 x tall stepladders + 1 x short stepladder
spirit level + laser level
folding chair
small table for drinks (needs a tablecloth)
2 A-boards for up to A2 size poster
Kitchen / bathroom
fridge + kettle + glasses + small plates + cutlery for 4 + washing-up liquid
1 loo roll
Cleaning
1 bin bag
3 x cloths (kitchen | toilet | bathroom)
glove for cleaning toilet
cleaning spray + window cleaning spray
magic erasers
vacuum cleaner + mop + bucket + dustpan and brush
Squeegee for windows
yard brush