The History of TKE Studios
Early Beginnings: Baths for Margate
The origins of TKE Studios trace back to the early 20th century when Margate’s municipal council approved a long-debated proposal to establish public baths for the community. On a site known locally as Rolfe’s Yard—a name honouring Alderman George Samuel Richard Rolfe—plans were drawn for a facility that would include 48 slipper baths and ancillary spaces. The estimated cost of this project was £6,280, and funding was secured through a municipal loan. The baths aimed to address public health concerns and provide much-needed cleansing facilities in a town where the sea alone was deemed inadequate for hygiene.
Alderman Rolfe, a prominent figure in Margate’s development, played a significant role in the town’s infrastructure. Known for his contributions to road-building and construction, his legacy lingered long after his death, with Rolfe’s Yard continuing to be a landmark in local memory.
Transition to a Community Hub
By the latter half of the 20th century, the site transitioned from its role as public baths into a base for community development under the Department of Employment and Productivity. In the mid-1980s, it became a key location for the Thanet Community Programme, an initiative aimed at tackling long-term unemployment. This £1.2 million program provided work opportunities to individuals aged 18 to 64, focusing on projects that benefited the community.
The site, now renamed Athanaton House, housed workshops that supported various projects, from park seating and picnic table production to historical restorations like the tug Cervia at Ramsgate and the locomotive at Richborough. The program’s headquarters served as a hive of activity, fostering creativity and skill-building within the local workforce.
Isle of Thanet Gazette 14 March 1986
EKTA Centre Era
In 1991, the site entered a new chapter as it became the EKTA Centre. Opened by the Secretary of State for Employment, Michael Howard, the EKTA Centre focused on addressing the jobs crisis in Thanet. It provided training programs aimed at equipping the local workforce with skills tailored to the area’s needs. The training centre offered a variety of courses, including computer and business management, a language school for international students, and a hairdressing salon. The EKTA Centre also included facilities to support individuals with disabilities.
Isle of Thanet Gazette 05 April 1991
Michael Howard emphasised that despite the economic challenges and high unemployment rates, programs like EKTA were vital for ensuring the community could take advantage of new job opportunities as they arose.
The EKTA Centre achieved Approved Training Organisation status, this marked a significant milestone in the site’s evolution, reaffirming its role as a community hub for education and skill-building.
Isle of Thanet Gazette 28 June 1991
Evolution into TKE Studios
The transformation of Athanaton House and the EKTA Centre into what is now TKE Studios was a gradual process, reflective of Margate’s broader evolution as a cultural and creative hub. Leveraging its historical significance and central location, the building was reimagined to serve the needs of contemporary artists and creators. Today, TKE Studios stands as a beacon for artistic innovation and community engagement in Margate. Housed in a space rich with historical layers—from municipal baths to community workshops—the studios celebrate the interplay of heritage and modern creativity.
A key pillar of TKE Studios is the Tracey Emin Foundation, which ensures that the studios provide affordable, below-average rents, making them accessible to artists while maintaining high-quality facilities and opportunities. The income from rents is reinvested directly into the foundation, supporting its broader mission of nurturing artistic growth. Dame Tracey Emin herself plays an active role in supporting the foundation, both financially and through her mentorship. Regular visits from Tracey and her network of artists and cultural figures create a unique studio environment, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth, collaboration, and inspiration. Through exhibitions, residencies, and partnerships, TKE Studios continues to honour its roots as a place of service to the Margate community.