Damien Hirst buys £40m Soho studio for 2019

Damien Hirst has acquired a 2,570-square-meter building on Beak Street in London's Soho for £40 million through his company Science (UK) Ltd. Designed by Stiff + Trevillion, the five-story plus basement brick structure will become his primary studio in 2019. The purchase coincides with layoffs of 50 staff and departure of three directors, plus closure of his restaurant Quay in Ilfracombe, Devon. Science stated the changes aim to reduce corporate elements and return to simpler working, not cost-cutting. The building features iridescent glazed bricks and a 10-meter-high cathedral-like interior created by removing part of the second floor. Hirst was attracted to the exterior's art deco cornice and marine-blue-to-green tones. Lance Routh, Stiff + Trevillion director, said the design aims to contribute to Soho's creative vitality while respecting surrounding brick architecture. Hirst already owns several London spaces including a similar-sized lab in Southwark and the Newport Street Gallery in Vauxhall.