'Artist's House' Breathes New Life Into Canal-Side Community
Nida Tunsuttiwong
Living in a huge metropolis like Bangkok, it's easy to adopt a fast-paced, modern form of lifestyle, either consciously or subconsciously. So every once in a while, it's nice to just escape the bluster and experience life at a rather slower pace. Today, we'll illustrate this more relaxed form of existence by paying a visit to Baan Silapin ('the artist's house'), which is located alongside Khlong Bang Luang ('Bang Luang canal').
Located close to Wat Arun ('the Temple of Dawn'), Baan Silapin is based within a two-story building that includes an art gallery, as well as lots of examples of Thai handicrafts. The wooden, Manila-style house features a gently sloping roof and gables, which are beautifully decorated with intricate wooden carvings.
The house belongs to a family of goldsmiths with the surname Raksamruat. Since the beginning of the Rattanakosin era (1782-present), several members of this family have also served as government officials. Since the area has featured luxury homes belonging to influential families and high-ranking government officials, this stretch of the canal was given the name Bang Luang - Bang means 'area', while Luang refers to the monarchy (and government).
Restoration and refurbishment
As the building deteriorated over time, Chumpon Akpantanon, an artist and photographer with no direct links to the building, decided to establish a restoration project with three close friends.
Since they wished to avoid turning the peaceful neighborhood into a crowded tourist area like Amphawa Market, the group decided to turn the building into an art gallery. They also approached residents living in the neighborhood and encouraged them to make some adjustments to their verandas, creating a form of terrace. Visitors could then use this to walk along the stretch of canal and enjoy its peaceful allure.
On completion of the restoration work, Baan Silapin was opened to the public (on September 19, 2009).
Baan Silapin is an L-Shaped building, which features an Ayutthaya-style pagoda at the center of its garden area.
There is a coffee shop on the first floor, where visitors can take some light refreshment, or just stop for a rest or chat. Nearby, you'll spot some postcards featuring charming scenes of tourist attractions across the country, while there's also a selection of travel-related books and handmade notebooks and sketch pads for sale. I came across some unique collections of silver jewelry and other items produced by local artists here, too.
A dozen corners
The second floor overlooks an ancient Yor Mum Sipsong ('shrink into 12 corners')-style pagoda. Looking down on the pagoda from above, you'll see that it appears to be square.
The 12 corners actually refer to three small points located on each of the four main corners.
There's no written record to suggest how the pagoda came to be located in its current position, but it's nevertheless one of the building's most interesting attractions.
The second floor plays host to an art gallery and workshops are often held there on weekends. This floor also offers an excellent view of Khlong Bang Luang, which possesses an almost timeless quality.
Shopping opportunities
Close to Baan Silapin are several local stores that offer a variety of products, ranging from hairdressing services and portrait painting to fresh fruits and vegetables and street foods. I was particularly impressed by a shop called Bang Luang Gallery, which offers a wide range of beauty products under the government's One Tambon, One Product (OTOP) project.
Since you're in the same neighborhood, you might also wish to pay a visit to the temple of Wat Khuhasawan, which is just a short walk away from Baan Silapin.
Baan Silapin opens daily from 9 am until 6 pm and admission is free.
For further information, contact Tel: +66 (0)84 166 1331, or +66 (0)87 816 3268, or visit the official websites at http://www.baansilapin.com and http://www.klongbangluang.com.
Transport connections:
Car: Head for Soi 3 on Charansanitwong Road. Park your vehicle in an appropriate spot in Soi 3 before reaching the end, as you'll see a small bridge that is for pedestrians and motorcycles only. Cross the bridge and turn left. You will need to follow a small path that runs alongside the canal for about 100 meters. Baan Silapin is located at the end of this path.
Baan Silapin can also be accessed via sois 20 and 28 on Petchakasem Road. You can park your car at the temples of Wat Kampang or Wat Khuhasawan, respectively, if using this route. Both temples are within walking distance of Baan Silapin.
Points of interest (POI) N13.731245, E100.463297.
Credit: TAN Network (www.tannetwork.tv)
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