Gaberbocchus press and the common room

Abstract

The Common Room, started by Stefan and Franciszka Themerson, was active 1957–1959, in the basement below the Gaberbocchus Press office at 42a Formosa Street, London W9. It was a place for those interested in the arts and the sciences to meet, read journals, look at works of art on the walls, hear talks, see films, eat spaghetti and drink wine. There were events on Thursdays, later on Tuesdays too, and eventually the Common Room opened during the Gaberbocchus office hours, Monday–Friday 3–7 pm, for members to read international journals, to write, drink coffee and play chess. From November 1957, subscription was raised from 10 shillings to one guinea and could be renewed with a purchase of four Gaberbocchus books. The Common Room opened its doors on 1 August 1957. After hosting 82 events, it closed for the summer on 9 July 1959, and never re-opened.