The Paxton Centre

The Paxton Centre The Paxton Centre is not your average café - it's a community space for all things creative. Located in Crystal Palace, this collective meeting space offers a venue for artists and designers to display and sell their work in the shop and gallery, as well as a range of artist-led classes for adults, children, and groups. The hotdesking space and private hire options make it a versatile location for community meetings, workshops, or events. And of course, the vibrant licensed café serves delicious locally-sourced food and drinks to enjoy on site or take away. Welcome to The Paxton Centre!

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Tomorrow Friday 11th join us for our Artist Exhibition Launch Night 6-9pm.September brings a new group art exhibition th...
10/09/2026

Tomorrow Friday 11th join us for our Artist Exhibition Launch Night 6-9pm.

September brings a new group art exhibition themed ‘nature reclaimed’ This exhibition invites creative interpretations of the natural world—its beauty, fragility, power, and mystery. We are hosting works that explore landscapes, ecosystems, climate, human connection to nature, or abstract responses inspired by the environment.

Join us at the Launch Night to meet the artists, enjoy a drink from the bar and find out more about our creative space and the many events and workshops we offer.

Exhibiting artists Dilys Finlay Stephens Jericho Wood Liv Elson | Abstract Art Art Carry Hornby Teresa Hoy charlotte clowes Alice Kate Philipson | at-ak Nina Goodyer

All welcome
See you there!

More artist info here.. https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2026/9/11/september-artist-exhibition-launch-night

Image credit Liv Elson | Abstract Art Dilys Finlay Stephens Jericho Wood

Life Drawing is back tomorrow 9th Sep 7-9pm.Step into a space designed to spark creativity.Our life drawing sessions tak...
08/09/2026

Life Drawing is back tomorrow 9th Sep 7-9pm.

Step into a space designed to spark creativity.

Our life drawing sessions take place in a beautifully light-filled, open studio at The Paxton Centre—an inspiring two-level creative space where natural light pours in and every corner invites you to look, pause, and make. With its bright, airy feel and generous sense of openness, it’s a place that instantly shifts you out of the everyday and into a more creative frame of mind.

Surrounded by a constantly changing backdrop of artwork from our regular monthly exhibitions, there is always something new on the walls. The space itself evolves with each show, meaning every session feels fresh, dynamic, and full of visual inspiration.

Working from live models—each session bringing a different energy, pose, and perspective—you’ll be guided to observe closely, loosen up, and develop your own style. Whether you’re completely new to life drawing or returning to a long-lost practice, the atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and quietly encouraging.

All materials are provided, so you can arrive empty-handed and dive straight in. Of course, you’re also welcome to bring your own materials if you prefer.

And because creativity flows better when you’re comfortable, there’s a bar on site serving drinks and snacks—including wine and beers—so you can settle in, take your time, and enjoy the experience as much as the drawing.

More than just a class, this is time carved out for you—to slow down, look closely, and be part of a creative space that’s alive with art.

Come and join us at The Paxton Centre—we’d love to have you in the room.

Bar from 6.30pm.

Booking here.. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/life-drawing-workshop-tickets-1993456892227?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

📣 OPEN CALL FOR VISUAL ARTISTS 📣October — “More Than Meets the Eye”An open-themed exhibition exploring perception, imagi...
03/09/2026

📣 OPEN CALL FOR VISUAL ARTISTS 📣

October — “More Than Meets the Eye”

An open-themed exhibition exploring perception, imagination and interpretation.

We want to see your interpretations. Your work might explore the hidden, the unexpected, the imagined, the overlooked or simply invite the viewer to look twice.

That means someone with an abstract painting doesn’t have to convince themselves it’s “about the unseen”. Someone with a photograph, portrait, collage, illustration or print can all find a route into it.

Who Can Apply: Visual artists of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to submit.

How to Apply: Fill in an Expression of Interest form on the artist page here https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/artists

We ask for 3 images to support your application to get an idea of the range of your work or a series. This is not the limit on the number to show. When you apply please have in mind the number of pieces you’d be keen to show if allocated one of the spaces that are listed in Artist Information Sheet.

Key Dates

Submission Deadline for Expression of Interest: 14th September

Set up: Sunday 27th September 1-4pm

Launch Night: Friday 2nd October 6-9pm

Exhibition Dates: Month of October

Take Down: Saturday 31st October 10-1pm

Free to enter the exhibition.

Last few places left on this Introduction to Pottery Course starting next Tuesday 8th September. Come and get creative w...
02/09/2026

Last few places left on this Introduction to Pottery Course starting next Tuesday 8th September.

Come and get creative with clay this Autumn 🍂

This course is designed to give beginners a rounded experience of pottery and the several techniques we use to create hand built ceramic pieces.

* Note this Course is also suitable for returning learners who would like to work on your own projects.

Over 6 weeks you will learn how to make a set of tiles, coil built bowls, pinch pots, lidded boxes and vases, jugs or mugs using various resources and equipment available. You will learn about decorating techniques and incorporated are 2 glazing sessions where you will be able to choose from a wide range of glazes.

“The course exceeded expectations - It’s the perfect way to spend a Monday evening. Really good access to resources!” Student.

Expect fun and creativity!

6 week course dates
Tuesdays 7-9.30pm
Sep 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th Oct 6th, 13th

Info and booking 👉 https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2026/6/9/introduction-to-pottery

Exciting incoming news from bringing community cinema back this Autumn 🎥 🍿 Head over to the page or check out the brand...
29/08/2026

Exciting incoming news from bringing community cinema back this Autumn 🎥 🍿 Head over to the page or check out the brand new website at crystalpalacecinema.co.uk to sign up to the mailing list. Be the first to find out about the scheduled monthly film screenings coming soon!

📣 APPLICATIONS OPEN 📣Artists and craftspeople come and trade with Handmade Palace at The Crystal Palace SubwayDrop us a ...
28/08/2026

📣 APPLICATIONS OPEN 📣
Artists and craftspeople come and trade with Handmade Palace at The Crystal Palace Subway

Drop us a line at [email protected] for the application form or message us here.

🗓️ Sat 21st & Sun 22nd November
⏰ 10am to 5pm

About the Market ℹ️

‘Handmade Palace’ is thrilled to be back with two Markets in November where you always find the best of the best in South London’s handmade arts and crafts.

Working with the Crystal Palace Park Trust we are returning to the iconic Crystal Palace Subway which has undergone an extensive and specialist renovation and now it has been transformed into its beautiful and historical former glory. The Subway used to link the railway station and the ‘Crystal Palace’ which famously hosted festivals, exhibitions and concerts. The Subway was the only part that survived after the fire in 1936 that destroyed the Palace.

You will find 46 different stalls each day selling a diverse range of arts and craft where you get to meet and buy direct from the artist, designer and maker while importantly supporting local craftspeople. In addition you get to see this beautiful atmospheric venue and shop in complete style the Christmas!

Entrance to the Subway is just inside Crystal Palace Park on Palace Park Parade (behind the Bus Station) The Subway does NOT have step free access and pushchairs will need to be left at the top entrance 🐕 dogs welcome.

image credit Location Art Prints by Sinead

Volunteer stewards welcome, drop us a line at [email protected] to get involved. You will be a very important part of the weekend 🙏

Brian Clements is not only a great artist but also a great friend of The Paxton Centre too 🙏 Brian’s wonderful watercolo...
27/08/2026

Brian Clements is not only a great artist but also a great friend of The Paxton Centre too 🙏

Brian’s wonderful watercolour original works depict our much loved corner of South London with many recognisable landmarks and landscapes. Come and see his work, here for the next few days.

“I work in watercolour/acrylic/mixed media. My work flows between abstract and semi abstract styles dependent on the primary influence whether rural or urban. I use the landscape as a catalyst for personal expression.”

This coming Sunday 30th Aug and every last Sunday of the month we welcome 🌈 for their coffee morning social meet up 11-...
27/08/2026

This coming Sunday 30th Aug and every last Sunday of the month we welcome 🌈 for their coffee morning social meet up 11-1pm.

“Come meet other local LGBTQIA+ people over coffee at the Paxton Centre in Crystal Palace for our monthly coffee social There’s no set agenda - so just come as you are and have a natter!

It’s a small venue so our table should be easy to find, but please ask the baristas if you’re unsure as they know we’re coming. The Paxton Centre is an LGBTQIA+ friendly venue by Crystal Palace station that provides a safe and inclusive space for us to get together. Looking forward to seeing you!”

No need to book just turn up!

Introducing Matthieu Bernard Philippault | Conservator & Decorative Arts Matthieu Bernard Philippault | Decorator & Cons...
26/08/2026

Introducing Matthieu Bernard Philippault | Conservator & Decorative Arts Matthieu Bernard Philippault | Decorator & Conservator

“Matthieu is a local artist and conservator whose latest work is inspired by his recent eight-month appointment as part of the SSH Conservation team conserving the local Crystal Palace Dinosaurs and Italian Terraces.

Through this series, he celebrates the profound craftsmanship required to preserve these monuments for future generations. His pieces utilise the philosophy of Kintsugi—the traditional Japanese art of highlighting repairs with gold, teaching that fractures are a vital part of a structure’s history to be proudly illuminated rather than hidden.”

Come by and see his work including framed, unframed art prints and lime plaster gold leaf semi sculptures.

On Monday 24th August at 11am ‘Make it Monday’ is back. Come and join Invisible Palace for creating and coffee. Working ...
21/08/2026

On Monday 24th August at 11am ‘Make it Monday’ is back. Come and join Invisible Palace for creating and coffee. Working locally Invisible Palace “believe in a place where arts, heritage, and green activities are available, affordable, and accessible to everyone.”

https://www.invisiblepalace.org.uk/

‘Make It Monday’ is a relaxed, social making session. Grab a free drink and help create bags of duck food that support Invisible Palace, or bring along your own portable project and enjoy half-price coffee in a welcoming, collaborative space. In addition you could make a clay textured pinch pot that will be fired and ready to collect from the Centre in 2 weeks time.

Drop in no need to book.

See you there!

Artist Profile Kate Gilbert part of our ‘local’ group art exhibition running all throughout August. Kate also hosts our ...
20/08/2026

Artist Profile Kate Gilbert part of our ‘local’ group art exhibition running all throughout August. Kate also hosts our Crystal Palace Freelancers networking and skill share event, last Thursday of each month.

“Kate Gilbert is a local artist, actor, and writer whose work is rooted in storytelling. Across painting, writing, and performance, she is drawn to capturing the character of people and places. The two works exhibited here were inspired by an artist walk through the local area, finding locations rich in personality and local history. One piece reimagines Cornerstone road, inspired by its vibrant graffiti and infused with warmth and a Mediterranean feel. The second depicts DSolos, a much-loved Church Street clothing shop that has been a cornerstone of the community for 25 years, renowned for its carefully curated designer fashion.”

📣 OPEN CALL FOR VISUAL ARTISTS 📣October — “More Than Meets the Eye”An open-themed exhibition exploring perception, imagi...
20/08/2026

📣 OPEN CALL FOR VISUAL ARTISTS 📣

October — “More Than Meets the Eye”
An open-themed exhibition exploring perception, imagination and interpretation.

We want to see your interpretations. Your work might explore the hidden, the unexpected, the imagined, the overlooked or simply invite the viewer to look twice.

That means someone with an abstract painting doesn’t have to convince themselves it’s “about the unseen”. Someone with a photograph, portrait, collage, illustration or print can all find a route into it.

Who Can Apply: Visual artists of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to submit.

How to Apply: Fill in an Expression of Interest form at the top of our ‘Artist’ page on our website, link in bio☝️

We ask for 3 images to support your application to get an idea of the range of your work or a series. This is not the limit on the number to show. When you apply please have in mind the number of pieces you’d be keen to show if allocated one of the gallery spaces.

Key Dates

Submission Deadline for Expression of Interest: 6th September

Set up: Sunday 27th September 1-4pm

Launch Night: Friday 2nd October 6-9pm

Exhibition Dates: Month of October

Take Down: Saturday 31st October 10-1pm

Free to enter the exhibition.

Image credit - Oleg Nesterkin

Palace Pop is a new exhibition by Jeremy Glover here as part of our August Exhibition themed ‘local’. Come and see his v...
14/08/2026

Palace Pop is a new exhibition by Jeremy Glover here as part of our August Exhibition themed ‘local’. Come and see his vibrant up close images of Crystal Palace, our wonderful corner of South London. As well as the work on sale and display his exhibition brochure shows all available prints in the series.

https://www.jeremycglover.com

“Jeremy Glover, FRSA, LRPS, is an international award-winning photographer drawing on his many years’ experience as an Art Director and Creative Director with global agency McCann. Displaying a deep understanding of colour, form and texture his current project Pop Palace is inspired by the Abstract Expressionist and Pop Art movements of the 1950s and 1960s. A regular exhibitor in London and beyond, his most recent exhibition was a group show with the Saint-Tropez Photo Grand Prix in France.”

More group show artist info here.. https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2026/8/7/exhibition-launch-night-august-local-theme-p363h

Exhibition daily until Sat 29th Aug 🗓️

Come and get creative this Autumn on our 6 week Pottery Course starting on Tue 8th September.This course is designed to ...
11/08/2026

Come and get creative this Autumn on our 6 week Pottery Course starting on Tue 8th September.

This course is designed to give beginners a rounded experience of pottery and the several techniques we use to create hand built ceramic pieces.* Note this Course is also suitable for returning learners who would like to work on your own projects.

Over 6 weeks you will learn how to make a set of tiles, coil built bowls, pinch pots, lidded boxes and vases, jugs or mugs using various resources and equipment available. You will learn about decorating techniques and incorporated are 2 glazing sessions where you will be able to choose from a wide range of glazes.

“The course exceeded expectations - It’s the perfect way to spend a Monday evening. Really good access to resources!” Student.

The course fee is £240 for 15 hrs qualified tuition with all materials and firing included. You can secure your place with a non returnable £50 deposit then the 2 further instalments of £95 in week 1 and 3 at The Paxton Centre by cash or card. Refunds only 7 days prior to the course.

Expect fun and creativity!

6 week course dates
Tuesdays 7-9.30pm
Sep 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th Oct 6th, 13th

More info 👉 https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2026/6/9/introduction-to-pottery

Address

52 Anerley Hill
London
SE19 2AE

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

02086594701

Website

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