LavArt: A Public Toilet Turns Gallery in Hull
Arthouse Hull unveils LavArt, a surreal installation by Paul Sowden, in its accessible public toilet.
Hull’s Arthouse gallery-bar has launched something unexpected: a public toilet as an art space. LavArt, the debut public exhibition of local artist Paul Sowden, fills the accessible loo with a surreal collection of work.
Sowden has been making art for decades but has rarely shown it publicly. The exhibition, entirely contained in the small space, mixes new pieces with older works, creating a unique, intimate viewing experience—one visitor at a time.
Paul Sowden said:
“There’s nothing deep and mystical about why I’m doing it. Katherine kept asking. I finally said yes. If people like the work, great. If they don’t—well, that’s their problem.”
The installation is part of Arthouse Hull’s ongoing commitment to showcase artists outside traditional gallery spaces. Founder Katherine Carmichael described LavArt as:
“Paul has been dodging exhibitions for decades, so getting him to say yes feels like my greatest artistic achievement to date. LavArt sums up what Arthouse is here to do: champion brilliant artists in unexpected places, without any of the usual art-world fuss.”
Sowden’s work blends decades of travel, personal stories, political moments, and a fascination with Surrealism and Dada. He also has a long-standing interest in toilets in art spaces, which inspired the unusual venue.
“It’s the Sistine Chapel of what is often thought of as a run-down city. A toilet you want to spend time in. Probably too much time, which is the opposite of what a toilet’s for,” Sowden says.
Alongside the toilet installation, a small selection of Sowden’s detailed gouache works—some taking up to 1,000 hours to complete—are on display in the bar area for a limited run.
LavArt is part of Arthouse Hull’s wider programme of exhibitions, workshops, and open mic nights. The gallery continues to focus on local talent, creativity without pretence, and spaces where artists can experiment.
LavArt: Paul Sowden
Venue: Arthouse Hull, Princes Avenue, Hull
Dates: Thursday 9th January – Sunday 1st March 2026
Viewing: Accessible toilet installation, one visitor at a time. Other works displayed in the bar area.
Opening Times: Wednesday – Sunday, 12:00 – 20:00
Entry: Free
Elena Leo is the Culture & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.