Royal/T, a lively café, shop, and art space, located on Washington Boulevard in Culver City, is closing this August. The space was established by, owner, Susan Hancock in October 2007, with the hope of creating a non-intimidating atmosphere for guests to enjoy art, especially children or others who might be daunted by a museum or traditional gallery.
With a focus on Japanese culture Royal/T also provides guests with a fun way to experience a Japanese medio kissa, (maid café) first hand.
“I want everyone to feel like Alice in Wonderland,” says Hancock. “To feel like they fell down the rabbit hole and landed at a crazy tea party.”
The desired affect is attained in the café where guests can order a wide array of Japanese and French inspired cuisines while being waited on by waitresses dressed in Lolita-esque maid costumes.
Royal/T’s origins start with Hancock collecting art for her nieces and becoming particularly taken with Japanese art. It was after traveling to Japan and soaking up Japanese culture that she established Royal/T. Many of Royal/T’s exhibitions were formed solely from Hancock’s Japanese-influenced private collection.
Other notable exhibitions hosted at Royal/T include a celebration of Hello Kitty’s 35th Anniversary, serving veal tongue tartare by Travel Channel/Bizarre Food’s Andrew Zimmern, and an exploration of the face done by The Hole Gallery’s director, Kathy Grayson.
However, after an eventful five-year lease that’s consisted of hosting twelve exhibitions, countless collaborations, workshops, engaging pop up shows, and tea parties, Royal/T is leaving the Culver City art community.
“I just hope that we have made an impact on the culture of Los Angeles, and Culver City in particular,” says Hancock. “I want someone to say, ‘I used to party at Royal/T,’ or ‘I remember when Royal/T did blank.’ We have done so many memorable things, and my biggest hope is that each person who has come into the space remembers something.”
Though sad to be closing the Culver City location Hancock is excited about Royal/T’s future. The art world is changing and she hopes Royal/T can play a positive part in that.
“Museums are lacking the Federal funding they used to get and great artists aren’t getting the shows they used to get,” explains Hancock. “Brands, like Marc Jacobs, are loving having artists, such as Yayoi Kusama, as muses since it provides a win/win situation for both of them. Kusama will be in 450 Louis Vuitton windows, which will greatly increase her and Louis Vuitton’s fan base at the same time.
“This is the role I hope Royal/T will play: hooking artists up with brands and having pop up shows, while helping to get museum shows sponsored, and just providing a win/win experience for artists and brands alike.”
Before packing up Royal/T is going out with a bang. On June 30 Royal/T is hosting its final event in Culver City—Royal/T’s Greatest Hits Party. The evening will include a walkthrough and talk with curators and artists, performances by Dave Muller and Prince Poppycock, desserts, and a midnight toast to support the beginning of Royal/T’s future pop-up shop ventures.