MY SPACE: IDRIS KHAN and ANNIE MORRIS

The artists meet Radhika Sanghani to discuss their love for bold colours, vintage memoirs and Indian fabrics

- Radhika Sanghani

Walking into Idris Khan and Annie Morris’ London home is like walking into a museum of their life. The Islington townhouse, which was originally a 1760s Georgian terrace home, is filled with both artists’ work, fabrics they’ve picked up on their travels, sculptures and paintings that they have been gifted by fellow artists—and a whole lot of colour.

“I’d call it eclectic,” says Morris, rearranging oversized jars in her bright yellow kitchen. “I like things not too clean, not too tidy. Everything almost has a memory to it.” Khan nods, and adds, “Some houses are stripped back to nothingness. This is just… everything.” The couple, who have been together since 2007, live in their four-floor home with their children Maude, 7, and Jago, 6. They invite me in for a tour and cup of tea, to talk about everything, from what influences their art, to their shared love of Indian fabrics, and how spending 24 hours a day together makes their marriage thrive.

Radhika Sanghani: So tell me about the house. What made you buy it?

Annie Morris: We always loved this street. We saw a ‘for sale’ board outside, and just went for it.

Idris Khan: We were lucky though because the old owner had left the beautiful woodwork without painting it. It’s actually a listed grade II property. We loved the rawness and life of the house.

RS: I can see your artwork all over the house, with Idris’ layered monochrome photographs, and Annie’s vibrant stack sculptures. Is that important for you both to display your own work?