The Residence was one of the first of a host of contemporary art galleries that is now making Hackney Wick one of the most creatively exciting areas in London.

The gallery was formerly housed in the Verger's Cottage attached to the bell tower of the church and was the private residence of owner and curator Ingrid Z. The space itself was pretty small, but aesthetically engaging: with old patterned wallpaper and an original fireplace, you feel like you've walked into somebody's living room, which, basically, you had.

After it was announced that the Verger's Cottage was being demolished to make way for javelins, marathons, hurdles and the like, The Residence upped sticks to Victoria Park Road in May 2010.

Access to the gallery is by appointment only and entry to private views is only for those who know the appropriate password: entirely befitting for a gallery that seeks to rexamine notions of exclusivity and the relationship between the public and the private.

Read Tom's interview with Ingrid Z.

Watch this brilliant video of the Hackney Wood awards ceremony at The Residence.