Art in Elephant & Castle

Elephant and Castle is a district of London known for its rich creative background, be that in the arts, food, or theatre. This history is very much alive today with lots going on for those seeking cultural pursuits. Here’s a list of places we recommend you visit, if searching for Elephant and Castle art. 

Products from local makers span a variety of genres – jewellery, pottery, prints, candles, apothecary and textiles – it really is a treasure trove of Southeast London’s best and brightest creatives!

The other novel thing about the space, Elephant Stores, is that all the furniture inside is second-hand and every piece for sale. Not just a great commitment to more sustainable retail, but also a great place for vintage homeware finds. 

Europe’s only public, not-for-profit gallery, The Drawing Room recently closed on Rodney Road beside Elephant Park, in advance of its move to a purpose-built venue in Bermondsey, due to open this year (2022). 

The gallery will host a number of exhibitions, showing national and international artists as well as a unique community exhibition featuring the best of local, Elephant and Castle art. The new space will also deliver outreach programmes for families, children and adults, as well as a free library and research centre for those interested in creative pursuits. 

A family-run arts collaborative with an open art space on Sayer Street, flat70 is a ‘fluid space’ that offers different functionality for local artists, cultural creators, communities of colour and marginalised groups. 

You’ll often find the space showcasing work or operating as a photography studio or event space – so drop by and keep an eye out for how you can get involved. 

You can also purchase Elephant and Castle art and prints from associated artists via the flat70 website. flat 70 is a registered Community Interest Company with community engagement at the heart of all their activities. 

A recurring event at one of Elephant and Castle’s most hedonistic venues, this life-drawing class differs from other drawing societies in that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Whilst you can very much enjoy it as a serious artist, the aim here is to have fun. 

Hosted by award-winning cabaret artist Dusty Limits and with models plucked from the world of burlesque and cabaret, you can be assured an adult twist to this wholesome activity. 

Self-described as “to art, what karaoke is to singing”, it’s one for the bold and daring who want to create without rule or instruction (and perhaps enjoy a glass or two with your friends while you do it). 

The event takes place every month or so, usually in the evening, at the Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club, 140 Newington Butts. Visit their website for more details.

If you’re looking for a more family-friendly day out, why not check out the Elmer trail in our very own Elephant Park?

Ten sculptures of everyone’s favourite elephant can be found around the area, each with a unique design thanks to community groups and local Elephant and Castle artists.

A celebration of diversity and creativity, and a great excuse to get out and about the area, the elephant trail came back to Elephant Park this year for World Book Day. 

Elephant and Castle’s own art school, The Art Academy London, is an ideal space if you want to learn a new artistic skill. The school offers a huge range of courses, from serious full-time learning to evening and weekend courses. Topics cover an equally as large range of genres including painting, drawing, sculpture, print, photography, ceramics and digital illustration. 

Spread across two facilities – Mermaid Court and Red Lion Court – the campus has state of the art studio space and is set to open another new space beside the Tate Modern on London’s Bankside this year.