Lewisham Arthouse
Greenwich
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An artist-led co-operative in the Grade II listed Old Deptford Library on Lewisham Way, with 40 affordable studios, the Project Space gallery, classes, a darkroom and a pottery kiln.
Lewisham Arthouse is a not-for-profit, artist-led co-operative that has been at the heart of south-east London’s creative community since 1992. Its home is the Old Deptford Library, an Edwardian Grade II listed building on Lewisham Way, where it provides 40 affordable artist studios alongside a public gallery, classes, workshops and experimental music events.
It is run entirely by its members. Rent is kept affordable through a Work Hours scheme in which every member volunteers at least five hours a month to curating, fundraising, inclusion work and looking after the building, and members share the collective decision-making. That volunteer effort keeps the public programme and specialist facilities, including an analogue photography darkroom and a pottery kiln, open to everyone.
The Project Space is one of the most affordable places to exhibit in London, open to emerging artists, curators, community groups and anyone who has found it hard to get support through traditional gallery routes, and the Arthouse also curates its own exhibitions, residencies and a Graduate Award. Learning has always been central: there are friendly, affordable classes in life drawing, ceramics, printmaking without a press, tapestry weaving, botanical illustration and black-and-white photography, many suitable for complete beginners, along with long-running outreach with schools, colleges, local Friends groups and charities across the borough.
Lewisham Council, which owns the building, has offered the Arthouse a long-term lease, and with backing from funders such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund the co-operative is working towards vital repairs, better facilities and more public access. Donations to its crowdfund help secure that future.
Gallery
Main Photos
Studios
Project Space
Classes & Workshops
Products & Services
Project Space hire
Affordable exhibition hire for artists, curators and community groups: 2 weeks £500, 3 weeks £695, 4 weeks £860. Applications by proposal form.
Affordable artist studios
Subsidised studios within a co-operative; members contribute five volunteer hours a month. Most have natural light and Wi-Fi, with bills included.
Life drawing with Stephen Palmer
Life drawing classes running since 1996, Monday daytimes and evenings plus occasional weekends; most sessions suit all abilities.
Ceramics courses
Pottery with Shirley Stewart and Nina Necak: throwing, hand building and glazing, from taster sessions to weekend and evening courses.
Printing without a Press with Rosey Prince
Friendly, informal print classes on Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings, for beginners and experienced artists.
Tapestry weaving with Sara Kelly
Regular weaving courses on Friday afternoons and weekends, suitable for all abilities.
Botanical illustration and black-and-white photography
Courses with Alison Day: plant drawing, and analogue photography with film processing and darkroom printing. £135 (£125 concessions).
Support the Arthouse
Donate to the crowdfund to help secure the building’s future, repairs and expanded public access.
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Tickets, visits or bookings are handled directly by Lewisham Arthouse through its own website or booking provider.
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