The Paxton Centre

The Paxton Centre Welcome to our community space for all things creative. We are a collective of local people coming t Get in touch for more info.

The Paxton Centre is a collective creative meeting space in Crystal Palace. We offer a place for artists and designers to display and sell their work in our artist gallery. Our timetable of artist led classes offer a range of craft interests for adults, children and groups. The space is also available to hire to hold your community meeting, workshop or small event. In our vibrant licenced café you

will find excellent food and of course coffee where you can sit and enjoy the view in our friendly space or take away!

A letter to our friends, customers and community. Over the years, many people have suggested to me that The Paxton Centr...
25/06/2026

A letter to our friends, customers and community.

Over the years, many people have suggested to me that The Paxton Centre receives outside funding, and I want to gently clear this up. For the past 10 years, the Centre has been entirely self-funded, sustained by our café, workshops, exhibitions, and events, and—most importantly—by you, our community. We’re not a traditionally funded community centre; we’re a small independent business built to be a welcoming creative hub where people can connect, share ideas, and support local artists and makers.

Everything we do—from coffee and cake to art, gifts, and hot-desking—helps keep this space alive and supports the wider local creative community. We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received over the past decade, and this year we’re excited to celebrate our 10th anniversary with a special event (more details soon!).

If you’d like to support a local independent arts space, do pop by - every visit truly makes a difference—we’d love to see you.

Beth

Tomorrow Thu 25th June, come and join our sociable networking day at The Paxton Centre for freelancers and those working...
24/06/2026

Tomorrow Thu 25th June, come and join our sociable networking day at The Paxton Centre for freelancers and those working from home.

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 Kate Gilbert

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 is by Sharon Baker titled Remain grounded under pressure.

“The current climate and unpredictability of business inevitably talks it toll. How you can reliably access your calm, regulated centre when you are stressed, overwhelmed or scared.

Sharon is the entrepreneur’s alchemist. She works with ambitious, driven, creative female entrepreneurs to help them align their deepest gifts, purpose, vision and true selves. The golden clarity that emerges enables them to be bolder in their business, to achieve what they are truly capable of and have more meaning and balance in their lives.

The journey of discovering one’s own gold is one she knows well. From a media career working with big brands, to being an artist and finally in 2014, after more heart searching, qualifying as a coach. She now works with creative agencies as a leadership coach, as well as helping founders find their freedom.”

https://www.flydontwalk.com/about-us/

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 place via 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-t45pp-wzej3

Yay! coming up on July 18th, it’s the return of B.D. Lenz and Friends plus legend John Altman for their only London gig ...
17/06/2026

Yay! coming up on July 18th, it’s the return of B.D. Lenz and Friends plus legend John Altman for their only London gig during their UK tour. Every year they raise the roof with a fantastic evening of Jazz 🎷🎸🥁

B.D. Lenz is a guitarist extraordinaire based out of the New Jersey/New York area. His ensemble summons the sophisticated sounds of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Duke Ellington. B.D has played guitar since his early teens and has studied with such masters as Mike Stern, Vic Juris, and Charlie Banacos along the way..

Even if you’ve never heard of American jazz guitarist B.D. Lenz it’s very possible you’ve heard his music before - it’s been featured on hundreds of TV shows around the globe. He’s released ten CDs of his unique brand of funky jazz that fuses virtuoso musicianship with expert songwriting. Joining B.D. will be James Rosocha (bass) and Joe Falcey (drums). Together, this trio will keep you surprised with their eclectic mix of jazz standards, original jams, and pop classics.

That’s not all, joining them will be very special guest John Altman.

Altman is a highly accomplished musician’s musician. Music royalty. Accolade after accolade. He’s won BAFTA’s and EMMY’s. He is the proud recipient of a Gold Badge of Excellence for services to British music awarded by his peers in The British Academy of Songwriters & Composers in 2011, a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Monaco Film Festival, and in 2012 with an honorary Doctorate of Music from the University of Sussex where he was the first ever Creative Arts Fellow in the Department of Humanities.

Free entry with donations for the gig on the night.
Don’t miss out!

Reserve your seat here.. https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2025/3/3/bd-lenz-jazz-trio-amp-john-altman-yyyak

On Monday 22nd June at 11am, come and join Invisible Palace for creating and coffee. Working locally Invisible Palace “b...
16/06/2026

On Monday 22nd June at 11am, 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. Drop in no need to book. See you there!

norwood

Life Drawing at The Paxton Centre this Wed 17th 7-9pm and then fortnightly until we break for the Summer holidays.Step i...
15/06/2026

Life Drawing at The Paxton Centre this Wed 17th 7-9pm and then fortnightly until we break for the Summer holidays.

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. Tutored by Art Model

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.

Book your limited space (small group) following the link 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

Bar from 6.30pm.

Image credit - Oliver - regular attendee

So back to Joseph Paxton our namesake and who the original Victorian public house ‘The Paxton Arms Hotel’ was named afte...
13/06/2026

So back to Joseph Paxton our namesake and who the original Victorian public house ‘The Paxton Arms Hotel’ was named after. His bust having been in a spot in Crystal Palace Park since 1964 was recently moved back to the site of his historic and innovative ‘Crystal Palace’ From here he can once again look out onto the landscape that was his greatest achievement (alongside all his other greatest achievements)

And that’s not all..

“A construction worker has found a time capsule from 1964 featuring four old English coins and a “spooky” letter telling him to use the money for a horse-racing bet. The note, discovered underneath a statue in Crystal Palace Park in south London, said the money had been the winnings from a bet on a horse named Santa Claus in the Epsom Derby, and that its finder should use it to bet on a horse with a name that could be “associated with ‘Santa Claus’”.
“Unbelievably, there is a horse in this year’s Derby called Christmas Day,” site manager Josh Smalls said.”

News credit - Winnie Agbonlahor - bbc news

And that’s not all..

The horse won 🐎 and with the story circulating locally many from the community placed bets (not me 😔) win win 💴 love a feel good story!

While it is not recorded Joseph Paxton ever visited The Paxton Arms Hotel, I’m sure he must of having lived a very short distance away in Sydenham for 8 years when the pub serving the visitors to The Crystal Palace was first established 🤔

The terrace area in the park where the statue now sits and the Crystal Palace once stood in all its glory has undergone an extensive renovation by Crystal Palace Park Trust and is looking amazing 👏

📣 ARTIST CALL OUT - LOCAL - AUGUST 📣For our August group art show, we have decided to return to the theme Local, which h...
11/06/2026

📣 ARTIST CALL OUT - LOCAL - AUGUST 📣

For our August group art 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 of SE19 and beyond. Works depicting our wonderful corner of London and surrounding areas is welcome.

We invite visual artists, whatever your medium, to show interest by completing and emailing the centre the linked ‘Artist Information Sheet and Expression of Interest’ form, also below.

Deadline to express your interest: 30th June – using The Paxton Centre Artist Information & Expression of Interest Form found on our website artist page, link in bio☝️

Exhibition dates: Saturday 1st - 29th August

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

Exhibition breakdown: Saturday 29th August

Launch party: Friday 7th August, 6 - 9 pm

Image credit Scene in London

🚨 LAST CALL: PHOTOGRAPHY JULY EXHIBITION OPEN CALL 🚨The Paxton Centre is making final selections for our upcoming Photog...
05/06/2026

🚨 LAST CALL: PHOTOGRAPHY JULY EXHIBITION OPEN CALL 🚨

The Paxton Centre is making final selections for our upcoming Photography Exhibition this July — and this is your last chance to be part of it.

We’re looking for bold, original photographic work from London-based artists across all styles — street, people, places, landscapes, local culture, and beyond. This exhibition celebrates the richness and diversity of contemporary photography in the UK.

📍 Open to London-based photographers (emerging + established)
📅 Deadline to express interest: 10th June (final call!)
🖼 Exhibition: 5 July – 1 August
🎉 Launch Party: 10 July, 6–9pm

🖼 Install: Sunday 5th July 1-4pm

To apply: download and complete the Artist Information & Expression of Interest Form linked here / link in profile and email it to [email protected].

Selected artists must be available to install their work (5 July) and are warmly invited to attend the launch.

Don’t miss your chance — submit your work now, or tag someone who should 👇

Tomorrow Friday 5th June, coffee and connection for entrepreneurial mums is back 10-11.30am.Are you a mum thinking about...
04/06/2026

Tomorrow Friday 5th June, coffee and connection for entrepreneurial mums is back 10-11.30am.

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 .lifecoach . 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-7s7er

💻 A reminder and for those that don’t know we offer hot desking at The Paxton Centre from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm i...
04/06/2026

💻 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 an inspiring and 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 or book via email [email protected]. Alternatively just drop in as there are usually a table or two free in the main space if not upstairs.

Tonight Wed 3rd June our Life Drawing Workshop returns. This workshop is suitable for those wanting to learn something n...
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

Address

52 Anerley Hill
London
SE192AE

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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