‘The world hid its head in the sands of conversation, so that by seeing nothing it might avoid the truth’ Radclyffe Hall, ‘The Well of Loneliness’.

Inspired by the story behind this London Club, primarily a lesbian nightclub, opening in 1931 – it became women only by 1967. It eventually closed its doors in 1985 – making it the worlds longest running members club of its kind.

Taken over by Ted Ware in 1943 he allowed it to become a meeting place for the Chelsea Arts Club – and was welcoming to the wide variety of people who lived in the Chelsea area.

‘The Gates’ as it was more commonly known, was one of the few places in the UK where lesbians and bisexuals could openly meet during the 40s, 50s and 60s.

In its heyday it was popular with artists and celebrities such as Diana Dors and Dusty Springfield. Although not necessarily affiliated directly to the Gateways Club – I chose to paint Alan Turing, Quentin Crisp, Lady Troubridge and Radclyffe Hall to show the contrasts of the hidden and open gays lives during the time period of the clubs existence.