The Paxton Centre, the popular arts and crafts café and bar on Anerley Hill, is to close next March.
Early notice: after 10 years as an arts and crafts café and bar, the Paxton Centre is to close next March
The surprise announcement was made by the centre’s founder, Beth Mander, and comes little more than 10 years since she opened the creative hub and art gallery in what used to be the Paxton Arms, which survived the strain of the global pandemic and has gone on to stage art classes, exhibitions and provide co-working space.
Mander said that the decision had been reached not to continue operating the centre once its lease expires at the end of March 2027.
It was a familiar tale: “Rising rent and business costs mean the space is no longer sustainable as a self-supporting arts venue,” Mander said.
“I’ve looked at it from every angle, and I know it’s the right decision — but I won’t pretend it isn’t a sad one.”
Mander says she will continue running Handmade Palace, which began as a stall of local crafts and art at Crystal Palace Food Market, and has grown to staging events in the historic Crystal Palace Subway.
Popular venue: the Paxton Centre focuses on local art and artists
“The belief stays the same, local art matters, handmade work has value, and creativity is strongest when it’s shared. The Paxton Centre showed what’s possible when people believe in that. Handmade Palace is where that belief goes next.”
Of the Paxton Centre: “Thousands of people have come through our doors for coffee, conversation, exhibitions, creative workshops, pottery, live music, hot desking, friendship and more,” she wrote.
“Ideas, businesses and collaborations have grown around our tables. That’s what I’ll remember most, the people, and the sense of possibility that filled the space every day.
I owe an enormous thank you to all the many staff members who have made the centre work day in, day out, and to the volunteers and artists who have given so much of their time to it. None of it could have happened without them.”
Mander said that she would not be spending the final six months of the Paxton Centre “quietly winding down”.
She said she wants the next six months “to be the busiest, most joyful months we’ve had”.
The Paxton Centre (52 Anerley Hill, SE19 2AE) is open seven days a week, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm on weekends. The venue’s website is thepaxtoncentre.co.uk
“There will be proper celebrations before we say goodbye,” says Mander.
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