BBC South Today Reporting on Art in Launderettes – Mahlia Amatina

What does the future hold for the humble launderette....?

So I’ve recently been trawling through the launderettes of Reading, getting to know the local social hub of where fabric softeners meet gently ruminating washing machines.

Launderettes have been in decline in the UK with around 12,000 in the 1970s to around 3000 today, so it’s been really interesting to see how they are used and by whom. By bringing project ‘Around the World in 80 Washing Lines’ to Reading’s launderettes as part of the ‘Art in Unusual Places’ theme, I’m hoping to add renewed interest to Reading’s launderettes, while also inspiring spirited and thoughtful conversation around the art installation.

But what else can a launderette possibly offer and how are places outside of Reading keeping themselves in constant spin and evolve…?

Well, launderettes have recently gained a ‘retro’ appeal among residents in the UK and are becoming popular gathering places where customers can enjoy a wide range of amenities from art exhibitions to cocktail bars while they do their laundry (reference: Guardian Tues 8th March 2016).

Rock band ‘Real Fur’ have played a tour of the UK in launderettes, including one on the Roman Road in east London. It’s clear that originality is something they make a rule out of and this works both ways, with launderettes seeming to offer that little bit extra above the usual ‘wash and dry’. And what a great place to see a gig! A real cozy and intimate feeling – you’d really get to see the band up close and personal.

And then you have places like the ‘Laundromat Café’ chain across Scandinavia where they’ve allocated a whole floor to a café and social area with a fabulous menu and art exhibitions taking place periodically. What a fab idea in installing a real social hub and atmosphere around something as basic and mundane as a place where you wash and dry your clothes…?

Have you seen any interesting launderettes? Are they offering anything out of the ordinary? Please write in the comments below - I’d love to hear from you :)