Machines Room is a makerspace in East London, for the general public and businesses to fabricate their ideas. In addition to workshops for woodwork, electronics and casting, it has a FabLab with a range of machines including laser and vinyl cutters, 3D-printers and CNC routers. The Maker Library at the entrance to Machines Room enables members and visitors to meet and connect, as well as to browse a collection of publications.

The large area at the centre of Machines Room acts both as a co-making and co-working space, and hosts events and exhibitions. Members can drop-in and make when they need to or rent desk space and start a project with the support of the Machines Room’s tools, team and network. Each month, Machines Room hosts a Maker Library: Maker in Residence, where a designer or maker uses the equipment and then exhibits their work in the gallery and library space.

Founded by Thomas Ermacora, Machines Room has developed strong connections to the local art, design and making community. For example, it initiated Maker Mile, a mapping project and event centred on its Vyner Street location, which brings together a square mile of open-workshops, artist and design studios, fabricators and businesses to meet, share events and network.

Who is involved? 

Gareth Owen Lloyd is a London-based maker whose practice intersects art and design. This has included running workshops exploring the future, developing alternative photographic processes and collecting artworks found in science fiction. He often collaborates with others such as artist Phillip Raiford Johnson making a sci-fi film in Johannesburg, or through his work with collective MoreUtopia! He has recently exhibited at the VI Moscow Biennale in the show Art in the Imaginary Future, and created a digital/analogue camera for FIX at South Kiosk Gallery London.

As a Maker Librarian, Gareth has travelled to South Africa to share his practice and skills, exhibited at the Vitra Design Museum in Basel, and helped to launch the Maker Library at Atolye Istanbul.