A conservation group has accused the artist Tracey Emin of seeking to demolish
a valuable part of east London’s architectural heritage to satisfy her
“private working patterns”.

Emin has applied to knock down a listed building in Spitalfields and replace
it with a five-floor purpose-built studio and home. The artist, best known
for her Turner prize-nominated unmade bed, has commissioned Sir David
Chipperfield to design the new building. A statement accompanying her
application claims that it “will greatly contribute to the character and
appearance of the conservation area”.

In an objection sent to Tower Hamlets council last week, Save Britain’s