What makes South London so special? For me it’s undoubtedly the people. The same thing is what makes local art galleries my favourite to go to. It is wonderful to be able to connect to art made by people from your own community! We will be looking at these 6 great galleries in the Borough of Lewisham to start the celebrations for Lewisham being the London Borough of Culture for 2022! Check out the South London art scene and help highlight these vital local institutions that support local creatives!
Deptford Does Art
28 Deptford High Street, Deptford, SE8 4AF
Deptford Does Art has been a brilliant pillar of the local art community ever since it begun as an exhibition at a local pub! Now they are both a shop and gallery with everything they sell coming from local and independent designers, producers, and manufacturers! When you buy from Deptford Does Art, you are directly supporting the artists from the local community that they champion! Join their celebration of local illustrators in their current illustration + print open, where 40 artists are displaying and selling hundreds of prints! This current exhibition is open between the 26th of January and the 13th of February and is a true celebration of what Lewisham has to offer as Borough of Culture, with every submission having been accepted! With various styles and techniques on display the only issue will be persuading yourself not to spend as much of your paycheck their as I did! Keep an eye out for what more they have to come, for Lewisham’s year as Borough of Culture, with proposals for upcoming exhibitions open and an exhibition of South London Zines planned for Spring 2022! The future of art in Lewisham is exciting and Deptford Does Art is always going to be at the heart of it!
Art Hub
5-9 Creekside, Deptford, SE8 4SA
Art Hub have a gallery in Deptford and studios in Woolwich, making them the best place to explore other artists’ work before catching the bug and trying your hand at making something! Their next show is 10-13 February will explore the art of tapestry and how contemporary tapestry challenges our old definitions. Their gallery is a wonderful space that can be hired out, if you use your South London Club Card when doing so you can get an exclusive £50 off! Once your visit has inspired you, sign-up to one of their courses! They have options for any interest from weaving and printing through to ceramics!
Deptford Anchor SE8 - Giclée Art Print
Deptford 90s Style Unisex T-Shirt
ArtDog
23 Brockley Rise, Honour Oak, SE23 1JG
ArtDog is a gallery with a focus on contemporary abstract painting and photorealistic art. Whether you want to see some established artists or are craving an emerging artist that you can watch flourish, this gallery has someone for you! They love to highlight artists and locations, for instance they are highlighting East Anglican art in their current exhibition. They care about both their artists and customers, giving artists a platform to showcase their talents and make a living off their skills while ensuring that art is affordable for ordinary folk. In March, they will be returning to the Battersea Affordable Art Fair as well as selling direct from their gallery. With your South London Club Card you can get 10% off bespoke, gallery quality framing for your new favourite piece!
Artful Pelican
143 Lee Road, Blackheath, SE3 9DJ
On a technicality, Artful Pelican falls outside of Lewisham Borough boundaries, in Greenwich, but because it would be in Lewisham if it was on the other side of the road and because of how wonderfully important the work they do is, it was impossible to miss them off this list! Unlike most galleries, they are a not-for-profit gallery that directly helps unhoused folk. Their Park Bench Studio displays and sells work created by unhoused artists, with all funds going back to the artist and other unhoused people in the city. They have unique sculptures, local art, photography, and also sell high quality furniture. When you buy from Artful Pelican, you know the money you spend isn’t just going to make you happy by uniting you with new art but will make a difference in your local community. With your South London Club Card you can get 10% off.
Lewisham Born and Bread Unisex T-Shirt
I Heart Lewisham Mug
Gallery London
132 Hither Green Lane, Hither Green, SE13 6QA
An artistic hub in its area, Gallery London is much more than a simple gallery. They do display and sell an eclectic range of art from local artists that traverses mediums including sculpture, photography, classic paintings, and furniture, but that isn’t their only objective. Nor is it only modern art, they are also home to vintage artworks, furniture, and collectibles! As well as this, they have a passion for encouraging locals to engage with arts and crafts, selling a range of art supplies so you can find your love of creating! Use your South London Club Card to get 10% off!
Lewisham Arthouse
140 Lewisham Way, Lewisham, SE14 6DP
Ever wanted to display some of your own art? Know a talented artist who hasn’t been able to make it through the traditional gallery route? Part of a community group that needs to put on an exhibition? Take a look at Lewisham Arthouse! In the heart of Lewisham is Lewisham Arthouse, a centre for the community to engage with art through exhibitions and workshops! They run exhibitions from some established artists but also aim to provide an affordable exhibition space for ordinary folk and community groups to display their work! In 2022, Lewisham is the London Borough of Culture, so they are prioritising proposals from locals! Over the course of the year, keep an eye out for local exhibitions that will pop up and if you are interested in running your own exhibition get in touch with them! A week of the project space costs £250, with schools, non-profits, and charities getting a 25% discount.
WHAT IS THE SOUTH LONDON CLUB?
The South London Club is a local discount card to help support small independent businesses across South London whilst saving all who live, work & play in South London money! With over 850+ local discounts to choose from, you will discover & explore all the best hidden gems in South London. Join over 7,000 of us & celebrate all that's independent & South London!