It is early July, summer is buzzing and leafy Brockley is busy as a group of local artists open their studios, exhibiting their work to the delight of the public. This might seem like a fun yet one-off episode for the pleasure of both artists and curious onlookers but this is more than a fad.
Back in 1992, when The Whitechapel Gallery extended the boundaries of its annual East London Open Studios event, a number of resident artists in Brockley decided to take part. Following the event's success, our local artists carried on this tradition independently. This annual event thus became known as the Brockley Open Studios ever since.
Open to any artist living in the catchment area, this yearly event, which normally takes place during the first weekend of July, sees about 30 to 40 artists share their unique works of art to the general public who not only find out about them but also have the opportunity to purchase these works of art.
More than supporting local artists and satisfying the curiosity of the visitors and residents of Brockley, the Brockley Open Studios rekindles the sense of neighbourliness, renews the ties of community, and celebrates the beauty of art in all her varied forms.
Nestled in Brockley, Ladywell and New Cross, the Artists Catchment Area demarcates the neighbourhoods from where artists living in that area are eligible to participate in the Brockley Open Studios.
