Overview

Michael Hoppen Gallery is a small fine art photography gallery, in Chelsea, just off King's Road. Disabled access was very poor.

Transport & Parking

Nearest tube is Sloane Square which has platform to street escalator service for exit only. I travelled by bus and lots of buses stop nearby.

Access

There is one step to the entrance. There is a buzzer next to the front door which you have to ring for admission and is at standing height. Once inside there is a ground floor gallery which does not involve any additional steps. The first floor gallery is only accessible by stairs. There are over 20 stairs to the first floor. There is a handrail on the right hand side only and towards the top the handrail stops before the last three steps and I had to reach out to the top of the stairs for the bannister running across the landing.

Toilets

I didn't use the toilets. There were some on the first floor. I assume they are not disable accessible due to their location.

Staff

When I arrived the person on the ground floor informed me that there was no lift with an apology, that the building is old. When I enquired about the stairs she said there were about 20. Although I had a crutch the member of staff did not check if I required any assistance. When I was upstairs I realised the exhibition was small and I had allowed too much time to view it before the film show started. I sat down as I felt I couldn't face the stair twice and a member of staff checked that I was ok. When I explained while I was sitting there she was fine and said I could ask if I needed help going down the stairs later. I was able to manage the stairs on my own so didn't require help.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The gallery's website doesn't mention anything about disabled accessibility. While staff were helpful for m personally won't be returning as the stairs are quite difficult to navigate when you require a crutch to walk. I attended a film show and I was not aware if there was any provision for people with hearing difficulties. It's a vey nice gallery but sadly not disabled accessible.