Antony Mark David Gormley the 61 year old UK sculptor has spoken out in defense of squatters’ rights to use properties for good purpose while vacant. Gormley in an interview with Alex Needham states “Squatting is a very good way of preserving properties while at the same time putting them to good use. It’s a no-brainer that properties that are awaiting renovation or don’t have commercial tenants can be of use for creative things, and indeed to provide shelter for the homeless.” The UK government is considering draconian laws to criminalize squatting in residential properties with penalties of huge fines and imprisonment. Gormley during the 1970’s as an art student, has a six year history of squatting in a King’s Cross factory. “I have to say that the landlord of the factory was very, very positive about us being there. We had everything we needed including 25,000sq ft of work space. A lot of the artists’ space organization of the 70s was to use unused council and commercial properties for studios and they continued to do incredibly good work. I think it’s a principle that should be continued.”
Inspired by Alex Needham http://ow.ly/96wnA image source artobserved http://ow.ly/96x0m
