The Paxton Centre

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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!

Recent social media posts

03/06/2026

Tonight Wed 3rd June our Life Drawing Workshop returns. This workshop is suitable for those wanting to learn something new, a fun evening out with friends, or for artists wanting to develop and continue experimenting with their practice. We have different models with short to long poses every workshop.

Materials are available, charcoal, coloured pencils, chalk pastels and paper but feel free to bring your own.

Cafe & bar on site from 6.30pm.

Book your limited place via link https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2023/11/29/life-drawing-workshop-tt3pw-4nenz-hmk9f-sz6ns-cdspp-njbes-hlrc9-z9m7h-t99hj-k9rlt-2k883-endma-yxhdw-wj2wx-2z52n-d5697-xfn6b

29/05/2026

This Sunday 31st and every last Sunday of the month we welcome ***rs for their coffee social 11-1pm.

“Come meet other local q***r 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 q***r 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!

***r

26/05/2026

Come and create with clay on our upcoming 6 week course. Starting on Tuesday 9th June, 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
June 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
July 7th, 14th

Book your limited place with a £50 deposit.
Info and booking here..

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

25/05/2026

We are CLOSED today Bank Holiday Monday 25th May. Open as usual tomorrow Tuesday 26th for hot-desking, pottery painting and cafe eats and treats. Iced coffee anyone! 🧊☀️

23/05/2026

Come and get creative at Adult Art Club tomorrow Sunday 24th May 11-1pm.

(Art club runs weekly on Saturday morning except the next 2 weeks) Join a lovely bunch of people that come together to be creative and have fun.

Award winning artist invites you to a class that is open to all levels. Teaching is structured around your needs, and will be adjusted following your progress. We focus on the creative aspect, encouraging our students to use painting, drawing, and other techniques to communicate ideas and to express themselves...

The Paxton Centre always has a nice atmosphere, with lots of Art on the walls and really delicious coffee and cakes to boost your creative flair

Book your limited place and start your day the creative way! https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2023/9/9/adult-art-club-ya9ra-jhbd3-hl4nn-bm3nw-p475g-c5bj6

20/05/2026

Come and join our monthly Freelancers networking event for freelancers and those working from home.

🗓️ Thu 21st May

Our monthly meet-up on the last Thursday of the month (except this month because of half term) starts at 11am with a 15 minute skill share talk on a relevant topic for freelancers followed by a Q&A session. hosted by .talks .

https://kategilbert.co.uk

Arrive by 10:30am to give your self time to buy a drink, meet others and grab a seat. Free entry, but please do buy refreshments from the café to support the Centre.

This months skill share -

How To Be Remembered
Why human connection is our greatest advantage

In a world full of noise we have forgotten our greatest advantage: ourselves. In the last five years, technology has completely changed how we build trust, attract opportunities and connect with clients. Since the world seems overrun with more content and more people trying to stand out, how do we make sure we are still seen and remembered?

In this talk, speaker and communication coach Kate Gilbert explores why how we show up matters more than ever, both in the room and online. From networking and speaking to video and social media, Kate will share how entrepreneurs, freelancers and small business owners can create real connection, build trust and become more visible without feeling fake or salesy. This is a talk about presence, visibility and learning how to let people actually see you.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kategilbertpublicspeaking/

This drop-in co-working day is a good opportunity to meet other local freelancers and local business owners. Light-touch, no stress networking. Refreshments: tea, coffee, soft drinks, snacks and lunches available all day.

19/05/2026

📣 📣 OPEN CALL for our August Group Art Show 🖼️ 🖼️

🤩 🎨 For our August show, we have decided to return to the theme LOCAL, which has seen two great shows over the past couple of years, attended by a range of brilliant, talented local artists from SE19 and beyond.

🖼️ 🖼️ We invite visual artists, whatever your medium, to show interest by completing and emailing the centre the ‘Artist Information Sheet and Expression of Interest’ form, that you can find on our website here (https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/artists)

Deadline to express interest: 30th June

Exhibition dates: Saturday 1st - 29th August

Exhibition installation: Saturday 1st August, 1 - 4 pm

Exhibition breakdown: Saturday 29th August

Image credit .clements_art

19/05/2026

Our Life Drawing Workshop returns tomorrow Wed 20th May, 7-9pm tutored by ✏️

Running fortnightly this workshop is suitable for those wanting to learn something new, a fun evening out with friends, or for artists wanting to develop and continue experimenting with their practice. We have different models with short to long poses every workshop.

Materials are available, charcoal, coloured pencils, chalk pastels and paper but feel free to bring your own.

Cafe & bar on site from 6.30pm

Book your limited place here.. https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2023/11/29/life-drawing-workshop-tt3pw-4nenz-hmk9f-sz6ns-cdspp-njbes-hlrc9-z9m7h-t99hj-k9rlt-598sf-jmjt5-e8h6f-x3prx-xn523-fald6-lhk74-r6zje-rw4ak

16/05/2026

Sun is out (for now) and The Crystal Palace Subway is open this weekend hosting our Handmade Palace Art and Craft Market.

Come and support local craftspeople, designers and artists in this iconic, historical and cultural venue.

🗓️ Sat 16th & 17th May

⏰ 10am to 5pm

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

🐕 dogs welcome.

Entrance to the Market is £2.50 for over 16yr olds.

See you there!

Image credit
Flyer

14/05/2026

A reminder and for those that don’t know we offer hot desking at The Paxton Centre from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm in a vibrant yet chilled environment 💻📱

Our co-working space covers 2 floors with 7 desks on our mezzanine and additional tables in our main space. All desks upstairs have electric points with USB sockets and access to plug sockets downstairs.

We charge £7.50 for a 3-hour slot which includes a hot or cold drink of your choice and access to WIFI. You can double up on slots and stay for longer too. Additional hours charged at £2.50 per hour. We have a café on site serving breakfast, lunch, cakes and a wide range of drinks. Pre booking in advance is recommended to secure a slot.

Call us on 0208 659 4701 via email at [email protected] to book or just drop in.

13/05/2026

Getting excited about this coming weekend and the return of our Handmade Palace Art and Craft Market. Taking place in the very historic and very beautiful Crystal Palace Subway where culture meets creativity!

🗓️ Sat 16th & Sun 17th May
⏰ 10am to 5pm

You will find 42 different stalls each day selling a diverse quality range of art and crafts. Come and meet the makers and buy direct from the artists and designers while importantly supporting local craftspeople. In addition you get to see this beautiful atmospheric venue!

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

🐶 dogs welcome.

Entrance to the Market is £2.50 for over 16yr old, card or cash on the door.

Hope to see you there!

Image credits

Flyer

12/05/2026

📣 📷 OPEN CALL: JULY GROUP ART SHOW - Photography Exhibition 📷 📣

🎨 The Paxton Centre is pleased to invite submissions for our upcoming group art Photography Exhibition, taking place in July.

🎨 We are seeking compelling, original photographic work from UK-based artists across all styles and approaches, covering themes such as street, people, places, landscapes, local culture, and more. We welcome images from our local area and from those celebrating the wonderful, diverse culture of our brilliant City. With this show, we aim to celebrate the breadth and diversity of contemporary photography in the UK.

Eligibility: Open to artists currently based in London. Emerging and established photographers are equally encouraged to apply. Work must be original and created by the submitting artist. Selected artists must be available to deliver and put up their work in time for installation. We will host a launch party, and participating artists are encouraged to attend.

Deadline to express your interest: 30th May

Exhibition dates: Sunday 5th July - Saturday 1st August

Exhibition installation: Sunday 5th July, 1 - 4 pm

Exhibition breakdown: Saturday 1st August am

Launch party: Friday 10th July, 6 - 9 pm

To express your interest, download, review, and complete the Artist Information & Expression of Interest Form (linked here www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/artists) and email it to [email protected] by the deadline.

Image Credit: William Barton

11/05/2026

📣 Handmade Palace returns this weekend with 42 stalls featuring artists, crafters, and design makers. It is the best place to discover some of the finest handmade arts and crafts in South London.

🗓️ Sat 16th & Sun 17th May
⏰ 10-5pm

🖼️ Each day, you’ll find unique stalls offering a wide range of arts and crafts. You can meet the artists, designers, and makers, and buy directly from them while supporting local crafters 🛍️

We’re working with to return to the iconic Crystal Palace Subway. After a major renovation, the Subway has been restored to its beautiful, historic state. It once connected the railway station to the Crystal Palace, which was known for hosting festivals, exhibitions, and concerts. The Subway is the only part of the Palace that survived the 1936 fire.

The Subway is just inside the Park on Palace Park Parade, next to the Bus Station.

Please note that there is no step-free access, so pushchairs need to be left at the top entrance.

🐶Dogs are welcome.

🎟️Entry to the market is £2.50 for anyone over 16yrs.

Image credit

08/05/2026

📣📣We’re excited to share that Handmade Palace returns next weekend, 16th & 17th May, with 42 stalls featuring artists, crafters, and design makers. It is the best place to discover some of the finest handmade arts and crafts in South London.

🖼️ Each day, you’ll find unique stalls offering a wide range of arts and crafts. You can meet the artists, designers, and makers, and buy directly from them while supporting local craftspeople.🛍️

We’re working with Crystal Palace Park Trust to return to the iconic Crystal Palace Subway. After a major renovation, the Subway has been restored to its beautiful, historic state. It once connected the railway station to the Crystal Palace, which was known for hosting festivals, exhibitions, and concerts. The Subway is the only part of the Palace that survived the 1936 fire.

The Subway is just inside the Park on Palace Park Parade, next to the Bus Station.

Please note that there is no step-free access, so pushchairs need to be left at the top entrance.

📆⏰ Sat 16th and Sun 17th May, 10-5pm.

🐶Dogs are welcome.

🎟️Entry to the market is £2.50 for anyone over 16.

Image credit

08/05/2026

Join us tonight Fri 8th for our Artist Exhibition Launch Night 6-9pm 🖼️

We celebrate the opening of our new group show running through May and June. Floating Forms is an abstract exhibition that explores movement, balance, and the quiet spaces between structure and freedom. Through shifting shapes, layered textures, and expressive colour, the works evoke a sense of weightlessness and flow. Each piece invites viewers to pause, drift, and interpret freely.

So come and enjoy a drink and meet the artists🧑🏻‍🎨 more event info https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2026/5/8/abstract-exhibition-launch-night

08/05/2026

Incoming please follow to see updates on this exciting new community cinema club 🎥

06/05/2026

This Sunday 10th May the social is back 1-5pm 👍

“British Sign Language social meetup for d/Deaf and hearing users & learners of BSL, held on the second Sunday of every month.

We use the ground level cafe area for the event.
Free entry, but please buy refreshments from Paxton Centre café to support our hosts. They sell coffee, tea, soft drinks, toasted sandwiches, ciabattas and cakes/pastries.”

Hope to see you there!

05/05/2026

Our Life Drawing fortnightly Workshop returns this week Wed 6th May 7-9pm.

This workshop is suitable for those wanting to learn something new, a fun evening out with friends 🍷 or for artists wanting to develop and continue experimenting with their practice palette 🎨 We have different models with short to long poses every workshop.

Materials are available, charcoal, coloured pencils, chalk pastels and paper but feel free to bring your own ✏️

Cafe & bar on site from 6.30pm.

Book your limited place here.. https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2023/11/29/life-drawing-workshop-tt3pw-4nenz-hmk9f-sz6ns-cdspp-njbes-hlrc9-z9m7h-t99hj-k9rlt-598sf-jmjt5-e8h6f-dy95w-pnnlt-hxr5s-2mnb4

03/05/2026

📣 VOLUNTEERS wanted to play a vital role in helping us run our amazing Handmade Palace Art and Craft Market at the iconic Crystal Palace Subway. We offer 2 hour slots over the weekend on 16th and 17th May. In exchange come and enjoy complimentary coffee and cake or lunch at The Centre at a time to suit you. Get in touch at [email protected] for more info.

Come and support our Spring Markets in May where you always find the best of the best in South London’s handmade arts and crafts.

⏰ 10am until 5pm.

Working with the we are pleased to be back at The 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!

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.

Entrance to the Market is £2.50 for over 16yr olds.

01/05/2026

Many thanks to the for coming by and helping me fix furniture at the Centre. Many hands make light work, very grateful 🙏 This fantastic group start there sessions with a run and then end at a community group to lend a hand with a wide range of jobs. Second time they helped us and last time was to paint walls 🙌 this is what community is all about and ours is amazing 🤩

30/04/2026

Taking place tomorrow is the monthly Coffee and Connection for Entrepreneurial Mums meet up 10-11.30am hosted by .lifecoach

Are you a mum thinking about what you want to do next now your kids are at school? Maybe you have dreams of starting up a business or you might already be trying to grow one between school runs and household admin?

You’re not alone! Come along to this relaxed meet-up hosted by local mum and Somatic Life Coach, Tasha Shaw. It’s a friendly space to share ideas, chat about the balancing act of running a home and business and get some mindset support to boost motivation or find clarity on your next steps.

Reserve your free place to give us an idea of numbers. Please support the host venue by making a purchase from the cafe.

https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2025/11/7/coffee-amp-connection-for-entrepreneurial-mums-9anm3-pfj45-4ja93-9lhcx-j6z5a

29/04/2026

Group wellbeing art class returns tomorrow Thu 30th April 7-8.30pm.

The Intuitive Drawing Circle is aimed at supporting and connecting for spirit and emotion, through shared storytelling and expression.

🗓️ Thu 30th April
⏰ door opens 6:30pm - workshop 7-8.30pm.

Tribe is about heart, love and Spirit, for all of those who live and inhabit the Earth. The Intuitive Drawing Circle, calls you to join a group of brave loving hearts, who, despite the challenges, are trying to make time and space to reconnect with themselves, their spirit and each other.

What will we be doing?
We will explore self and togetherness, through a process called “intuitive drawing”. We will compassionately learn and strengthen our innate ability to create and be expressive. Yes, even you, the one who was told “you can’t draw”; together let’s dismantle that lie, this space is especially for you.

Led by Racquel a tree hugging qualified psychotherapist. “Drawing has become my second language, and method of expression when I choose to not use words. Through life’s journey, it has been projected onto me that my expression wasn’t good enough, maybe some of you have been told the same? That was until Life and Spirit guided me to choice, and I discovered that I did not have to believe in that lie. And this is why I want to share it with you, as we are all creative and our expressions valid. Find more about me and my practice”

https://www.catchingpatterns.co.uk

“I am deeply passionate about helping people redefine what it means to live a meaningful life and allow them to feel safe in acknowledging life’s lessons. And as utopian as it sounds, I love when I can see people getting along, laughing, talking [reasoning], crying and being joyful amongst each other. I pray to experience this with you and that the energy we create in our circle, continues to vibrate in your life with those you meet, and in the good you do. We have a choice to change the meaning, and in turn, influence the outcome”.

All materials supplied.

Book your limited place here.. https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2026/3/19/the-intuitive-drawing-circle-5kjy2

29/04/2026

Join our ‘Jelly’ social networking for freelancers, small business owners and those working from home, tomorrow Thu 30th April 💻

Our monthly meet-up on the last Thursday of the month starts at 11am with a 15 minute skill share talk on a relevant topic for freelancers followed by a Q&A session. Hosted by .mcghee this month.

Arrive by 10:30am to give your self time to buy a drink, meet others and grab a seat. Free entry, but please do buy refreshments from the café to support the Centre.

This months skill share will be given by Darren Delaney - Corporate Event Magician https://darrendelaney.co.uk

Skill Share - Never forget: Tips & Tricks to Remember Anything

“Have you ever met somebody at a networking event, only to forget their name a few minutes later? Perhaps you’ve had some great ideas for a work project, but couldn’t recall them when you needed to?Imagine easily remembering and recalling information when it really matters. Darren Delaney is a magician and former World Memory Championship competitor - he’ll teach you some memory techniques that anybody can learn with a small amount of effort.”

“Darren Delaney did a fascinating talk on memory and it certainly didn’t disappoint” - Charlie Burgess, The Magic Circle“As a management consultant I meet a lot of new people in workshops on a daily basis. This morning I was able to remember a room full of 25 names. It left them speechless!” - Joe Badman, Basis Ltd

This drop-in co-working day is a good opportunity to meet other local freelancers and local business owners. Light-touch, no stress networking. Refreshments: tea, coffee, soft drinks, snacks and lunches available all day.

Reserve your free seat via ticket link to give us an idea of numbers or just turn up on the day.

https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2026/2/26/crystal-palace-freelancers-jelly-networking-event

27/04/2026

📣 VOLUNTEER CALL OUT

Come and be a vital part of the team assisting the running of our Handmade Palace Art and Craft Market inside the historical Crystal Palace Subway.

Taking place on Sat 16th and Sunday 17th May we offer 2 hour slots during the event. Stewards cover stalls for traders if they need to leave for a short time and assist visitors.

In exchange we offer coffee and cake or lunch at The Paxton Centre at a time to suit you.

Please get in touch at [email protected] for more info.

We would love to have you join us and you’ll get to spend some time in this iconic venue.

23/04/2026

Join the team ☕️

Staff member wanted to cover adhoc some weekdays and a weekend day occasionally.

Barista trained and experience with preparing food an advantage. For more information get in touch with us at [email protected]

Image from our greeting card range

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

https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/, http://eepurl.com/dLr-Q2

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