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.

Cancellations only 48 hour before event

*booking dates are not transferable

This 2-part program is a follow-up to the street photography workshops PART 1 and PART 2 which we hosted at the Paxton Arts Centre in October/November 2023. New participants who have missed the autumn workshops are welcome to join.

Having examined work from historic and contemporary street photographers and having learned about essential camera techniques, we will continue this Street Photography series with a joined photography walk in the area of Crystal Palace, SE19 London. We will revisit key compositional strategies and build practical skills around camera techniques, working with available light and photographing people. We will look at the images produced and have a group discussion and feedback around work-in-progress, working towards a small group exhibition.

On completion of the course, you will be a more confident practitioner with expanded technical skills and a clearer understanding of different approaches in street photography. You will choose a selection of your best images for a small group exhibition . You will receive tutor and group feedback and identify opportunities for further development.

PART 3 ‘Photography Walk’, Saturday 20th April 2024, 11am-1pm, outdoors

We will meet at 11am at the Paxton Arts Centre. We will walk in the local area and at leisurely pace. Please bring your camera, with loaded batteries, warm clothes and shoes suitable for the weather.

PART 4 ‘Practical Workshop’, Wednesday 15th May 2024, 7pm-9pm

We will meet at the Paxton Arts Centre to look at your photographs produced during the walk, as well as any of your work-in-progress inspired by the workshops. Participants will receive tutor and group feedback; each participant will select their best images, as well as identifying areas for further development. We will plan for a small group exhibition, using your favourite photographs.

Progression

We are happy to introduce regular monthly photography meet-ups at the Paxton Arts Centre in Crystal Palace this year. Please follow this channel or email to andrea@creativeartsmentoring.com for info and booking.

The fee of £50 includes both events on the 20th April 2024 (11am-1pm) and the 15th May2024, (7pm-9pm). When making a booking, please choose any of the two dates available, your ticket will entitle you to access to both events (PART 3 and PART 4).

This 6 week course is designed for beginners, returning and intermediate learners.

Beginners will follow the 'Introduction to Pottery' course programme which introduces many hand building techniques. You will learn how to make a set of tiles, coil built bowls, pinch pots, lidded boxes and vases, jugs or mugs. Also we will teach you about decorating techniques and incorporated are 2 glazing sessions where you will be able to choose from a wide range of glazes.

Advanced learners are encouraged to work on your own projects using the various clays, glazes, tools and resources available. You will receive continued support, guidance and experience in order to expand your pottery knowledge.

Course fee is £195 for 15 hrs qualified tuition with materials and firing included. Book your place with a £35 deposit following the link and then £80 in week 1 and week 3.

*Refunds only 7 before days before course start date.

Course dates Tuesdays 7-9.30pm

April 16th, 23rd, 30th

May 7th, 14th, 21st

Expect fun and creativity!

Welcome to the Dried Flower Wreath Making Workshop!

Come join us at Paxtons Art Centre in Crystal Palace, London for a fun and creative event. Learn how to craft beautiful wreaths using dried flowers and various materials. Our expert instructors will guide you through the process, so no experience is necessary!

Get ready to unleash your creativity and make a unique piece to decorate your home or give as a thoughtful gift. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn a new skill and enjoy a relaxing time with fellow flower enthusiasts.

Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot soon. We can't wait to see you there!

Join us for an evening of live music featuring local musicians of Crystal Palace. Expect diverse sounds and styles with a mix of original and cover songs. On the bill are Barry and friends with the acts to be confirmed.

Free entry with optional donations on the night for the musicians.

Bar from 7pm music from 8pm. See you there!

Join us for our NEW world music events 'eclectics'

Entry is free with optional donations towards the musicians.

We warmly welcome back The London Mandolin Quartet for their third concert.

LMQ consists of four members of the London Mandolin Ensemble, and is the UK's only classical mandolin quartet. The quartet has a wide repertoire, ranging from Baroque to contemporary music.

Anna Lombardi (mandolin), Ryan Chan (guitar), Tom Smith (guitar) and Maxine Wiltshire (mandolin) are all classically trained musicians who have studied at conservatoire level, and also with virtuoso mandolinists Dorina Frati, Carlo Aonzo, Alon Sariel, Michele de Martino, Sebastiaan de Grebber, Alison Stephens, and guitarists Laura Snowden and Adam Marec.

They have performed individually and as a quartet in the UK, USA, Germany, Spain, Japan, Hong Kong, Czech Republic, Belgium, France, Sweden, Hungary, Slovakia, Luxembourg and Italy.

www.londonmandolinensemble.org.uk

www.tomsmithguitar.co.uk

MANDOLINS AT CRYSTAL PALACE

The late 1900’s was the Golden Era for mandolins in the UK. In 1892 B.M. Jenkins became a mandolin and guitar teacher at The Polytechnic (now the University of Westminster) and at the People’s Palace (now Queen Mary, University of London).

He founded The Polytechnic and People’s Palace Mandolin Band, which performed at Crystal Palace in 1899, with 150 performers. The photo, taken on the steps of Crystal Palace during the afternoon before the concert, shows 92 members of the orchestra, before other players joined them for the evening concert.

https://www.londonmandolinensemble.org.uk/blog/bm- jenkins-musician-1868-1931

Spring is in the air, and we welcome a fresh new exhibition with individual artists displaying and selling their works throughout the month of April. Come and meet them, enjoy a drink and find out more about our creative workshops and events.

Exhibiting Artists

Rakel and Sarah Wienberg - Photography and Drawings

Rakel and Sarah were born in Denmark and grew up in a small village near the sea. They were part of a big family with love, chaos, and a lot of freedom to explore. The Scandinavian sisters started early to develop a shared experience of creativity. It began as play but developed into a way of life. 

In the early 2000s, the emerging artists moved to London, where Sarah got a BA (Hons) in sculpture from Wimbledon College of Art, and Rakel did a BA (Hons) in Film making at MetFilm School, Ealing.

Their art is a testament to the synergy of sisterhood—a shared language that transcends words. In the realm of their collaboration, playfulness is not just an aesthetic choice but a philosophy. It's a celebration of the childlike curiosity that fuels creativity and creates a space to experience joy and wonder, as well as allowing for expression of complex and dark aspects of the human emotional experience.

Susie Miller - Paintings

Susie is a North London born artist now based in South London. After studying at Central St Martins and Westminster University she worked in the fashion industry for well over a decade, leaving that world in 2021 after the birth of her second child. In motherhood she returned to her first love of painting where she found peace and strength. Predominately working in acrylics, gouache and occasionally oil pastels she creates colourful art that brings joy and hope to the viewer. 

This series of paintings is inspired by everyday moments, such as walking through parks with her children admiring the flowers or sharing plates of fruit with them. Susie sees beauty in everyday life and, along with her love of colour these inspire her to make vibrant, bright bold paintings to spark joy and harmony.

Aengus Rathbone - Paintings and Prints

My name is Aengus. It's an Irish name - the Celtic god of love and beauty.
I grew up in Battersea, South London in the 70s and 80s. For most of my life, music has been the medium for my creativity, expression and general tinkering. I have made my living as a cocktail pianist, conguero, club DJ and live sound engineer. However, visual art has always been there too.

When I started to paint again in my forties, I needed it to be a simple therapy to unwind from life and music production. And so, I discovered I could take any photo lying asleep on my hard drive and bring the memories back to life!
This is now the drive in my work. All my memories and holidays from around the world. Hopefully some of those will be recognisable to others.

Palvinder Nangla - Mixed Media Art

A highly commended artist and designer, Leeds born Palvinder Nangla produces what could be rightly called a diary of thoughts and emotions, going through a psychoanalytical unconscious mental process while consciously trying to make sense of this life. 

Broken Wings - Amazed by the weekly visual feast he encounters walking in the streets of his current neighbourhood in Deptford on Sunday mornings, Palvinder set about creating his own version of the outfits of African church going ladies he loved observing. 

Hope to see you there!

Could you do with a laugh?
Well, this lovely bunch of comedians will make sure you have one.

Join us on the last Friday of the month for a side-splitting romp through the week's news. It's in a format, not entirely disimilar to those TV panel shows, but this one is live and unedited, plus there is a bar.

Our team will bring you the freshest, topical comedy and an all-round fun night with a different line-up every month.

We’ve been gathering reviews from members of the Palace Panel Show audience. Here’s some of our favourite feedback…

“My husband and I have been to a couple of the Palace Panel Shows to meet up with friends, they were great nights, original comedy, with a fab intimate venue. Would definitely recommend to others.” Lisa from Tonbridge

“Surprisingly funny.” Sarah from Gipsy Hill

“I thought the way quotes work is that you write them then ask us if we are happy to be quoted? But from our very enjoyable evening in April, I would recommend the panel’s witty playing off each other.” Mike from Paddington
“A wonderfully convivial evening with just the right ratio of belly laughs and beer." Helly from Penge

“A volcanic blast of molten humour flowing into every orifice - bringing rapture and delight and being sure to burn the cockles of your heart!” Chris from Wallington

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.

Cancellations only 48 hour before event

*booking dates are not transferable

"Come meet other local LGBTQIA+ people over coffee at the Paxton Centre in Crystal Palace for our monthly coffee social There's no set agenda - so just come as you are and have a natter!

It's a small venue so our table should be easy to find, but please ask the baristas if you're unsure as they know we're coming. The Paxton Centre is an LGBTQIA+ friendly venue by Crystal Palace station that provides a safe and inclusive space for us to get together. Looking forward to seeing you!"

Join us for our first 'electics' live music event of the year.

For this one we are combining music, art and food our three favourite things!

We welcome Sergio Marciana's Latin Bridge to the Centre for a Spanish themed evening. Expect sizzling classic Bossa Nova, jazz standards, Boleros, irresistible Latin dance beats, Cuban Son & original compositions. Sit back and soak up the remarkable musicianship.

Performing Cuban traditional music but with a soulful feel, they re-imagine classic Bolero, Son and Bossa Nova. They also perform songs from the Nueva Trova repertoire, something which is not often heard outside of Latin America.

FREE entry with option donations going to the musicians on the night.

The event will include the premiere of a short 8 minute film titled 'Spanish Painting Retreat' filmed last Summer featuring Carlos Cortes our Adult Art Club tutor and his group of like minded aspiring artists.

In addition to this you can enjoy authentic tapas dishes on the night.

Wow, what's not to love!

Bar from 7pm

Live music from 8pm.

See you there!

We are happy to announce the start of a regular monthly photography meet-up for artists and photographers in South London at the Paxton Arts Center in Crystal Palace. This group will be suitable for beginners, emerging talent and intermediate practitioners who wish to expand their photography or lens-based practice.

This group will be led and guided, yet invites self-determination and participation, with a vision for the group to develop its own goals, both personal as well as a group ambition, which could be working towards a small exhibition or a publication.
There will be taught elements, as well as ample time to bring your work-in-progress for regular feedback and group discussion. Everybody’s suggestions for particular themes that you would like us to cover are welcome.

Meetings will take place about monthly, on Wednesday evenings 7pm-9pm, (the third Wednesday of each month), with a summer and a Christmas break. In April and May there will be a seperate offer (see the seperate event 'Street Photography') Sessions can be booked individually, the fee is 20£ per session. Please see the dates below:

Wednesdays 7pm-9pm

21st February
20th March
19th June
17th July
16th October
20th November

Who can take part

Sessions are suitable for beginners as well as photographers at intermeediate level. Anybody who would like to learn more about photography is welcome to attend. We will accomodate participants' different level of experience. Support will be available to everyone as required.

What equipment do you need

Please bring your camera. This could be a digital SLR camera or a smaller camera device. A camera phone will be fine to get started. Photographers who use traditional film cameras are welcome to join, but we cannot provide a darkroom or film processing. Please bring any images or photographs that you have taken that you would like to share with the group to receive feedback.

What can you expect

· Making connections with other local photographers and artists

· A supportive atmosphere that benefits your confidence, motivation and learning

· Improving your technical skills and becoming confident in handling your camera

· Developing creative approaches to image making

· Learning more about different movements and artists in photography

· How to read and intrept photographic images

· Group and tutor feedback on your work

· Working towards an exhibition or a small publication

The fee of £20 is for one evening. Please book multiple dates to attend the series.

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.

Cancellations only 48 hour before event

*booking dates are not transferable

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.

Cancellations only 48 hour before event

*booking dates are not transferable

British Sign Language social meetup for d/Deaf and hearing users & learners of BSL, held on the second Sunday of every month.

The venue is Paxton Centre, a café and art gallery opposite Crystal Palace train station:

Paxton Centre, 52 Anerley Hill, London SE19 2AE

We are using the ground level cafe area for the event.

Free entry, but please buy refreshments from Paxton Centre café to support our hosts. They sell coffee, tea, soft drinks, toasted sandwiches, ciabattas and cakes.

Hope to see you there!

This month we welcome five individual artists for a group exhibition in the gallery. Come and meet them at our Exhibition Launch Night, enjoy a drink from the bar and find out more about our events and workshops.

Artists displaying and selling all original works of art throughout March include

Maryam Abodollahi

Maryam is a multidisciplinary artist who finds inspiration from her passion with nature. She looks back to her memories in Iran walking through mountains and feeling connected with the natural surroundings. Her practice is reminiscent of these moments. She weaves together the poetic and reflective aspects of life. Feelings of sorrow, loss to pure happiness are ever-present. Now living in London, Maryam asks us, the audience, to remember our past experiences with nature and look to reconnect.

John Farnsworth

 Having spent over 50 years as a professional graphic designer working with computer graphics, I realised on retirement that I wanted to return to the more traditional style and methods that traditional watercolour affords. Also, as can be seen from my latest work I gain inspiration from a variety of subjects, but seascapes are probably my favourite.

Seham Girgis

Originally from Egypt and have been living in the UK for over fifty years. I became interested in water colour painting very soon and starting painting landscapes but then I found myself to be interested more in abstract and hence all my exhibits here represent my latest works.

Agata Rawecka-Deelan

"Agata is a visual artist based in Crystal Palace. Currently, she is creating art inspired by British culture and her experiences as a Londoner. She has passion for screen-printing and frequently incorporates this technique into her work."

Olivia Parsons

With each artwork, the most important aspect is for my audience to feel a sense of imagination and curiosity. My practice is constantly explorative, each artwork leading to the next, asking new ways of seeing the world each time. I use drawing and sculpture as materials to learn about my surroundings and translate my experiences. The wonder and awe I feel towards nature and human life is what I wish to share with others.

John Launder

The beauty of life is to learn and see something new every day.

See you there!

Join the Crystal Palace Friends of Palestine between 10am and 12pm to fundraise for PalMusic, the UK Ambassadors for the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music. Their Gaza branch has tragically been bombed, and all the students and teachers have been displaced. All proceeds will go to PalMusic’s emergency funds in support of the music community in Gaza. Traditional knafah will be served, along with cakes and traditional savoury brunch items.

Tea, coffee and cold drinks on sale from The Paxton Centre cafe.

https://www.crystalpalacefriendsofpalestine.org

https://www.palmusic.org.uk/story-of-palmusic-uk/

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

Cancellations only 48 hour before event

*booking dates are not transferable

"Come meet other local LGBTQIA+ people over coffee at the Paxton Centre in Crystal Palace for our monthly coffee social There's no set agenda - so just come as you are and have a natter!

It's a small venue so our table should be easy to find, but please ask the baristas if you're unsure as they know we're coming. The Paxton Centre is an LGBTQIA+ friendly venue by Crystal Palace station that provides a safe and inclusive space for us to get together. Looking forward to seeing you!"

Come along and join us for an Upcycling Session at the Paxton Arts Centre, 52 Anerley Hill, Crystal Palace.

Date:- Sunday 25 February 2024

Time:- 11am to 2pm

Details:- You can bring along a small piece of furniture to paint.  No bigger than a small side table.  You will be given a small can of paint to use, in a colour of your choice.  The value of the can is £10.95.  You can borrow a paint brush to use on the day.  You also have the opportunity to bring along a smaller, second item to paint- such as a plant pot or picture frame, whilst your first item is drying.  

If you have any questions, please ask!  Booking in advance essential.  Spaces limited.

IMPORTANT:  Please provide a phone number when signing up to the event so that we can send prep details.

This 6 week course is designed for beginners, returning and intermediate learners.

Beginners will follow the 'Introduction to Pottery' course programme which introduces many hand building techniques. You will learn how to make a set of tiles, coil built bowls, pinch pots, lidded boxes and vases, jugs or mugs. Also we will teach you about decorating techniques and incorporated are 2 glazing sessions where you will be able to choose from a wide range of glazes.

Advanced learners are encouraged to work on your own projects using the various clays, glazes, tools and resources available. You will receive continued support, guidance and experience in order to expand your pottery knowledge.

Course fee is £195 for 15 hrs qualified tuition with materials and firing included. Book your place with a £35 deposit following the link and then £80 in week 1 and week 3.

*Refunds only 7 before days before course start date.

Course dates Tuesdays 7-9.30pm

Feb 20th, 27th

March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

Expect fun and creativity!

This course is designed to give beginners a rounded experience of pottery and the several techniques we use to create hand built ceramic pieces.

Over 6 weeks you will learn how to make a set of tiles, coil built bowls, pinch pots, lidded boxes and vases, jugs or mugs using various resources and equipment available. You will learn about decorating techniques and incorporated are 2 glazing sessions where you will be able to choose from a wide range of glazes.

"The course exceeded expectations - It's the perfect way to spend a Monday evening. Really good access to resources!" Student.

The course fee is £200 for 15 hrs qualified tuition with all materials and firing included. You can secure your place with a non returnable £30 deposit then the 2 further instalments of £85 in week 1 and 3 at The Paxton Centre by cash or card.

* Refunds only 7 days prior to the course.

6 week course dates

Mondays 7-9.30pm

Feb 19th, 26th

Mar 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

Expect fun and creativity!

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.

Cancellations only 48 hour before event

*booking dates are not transferable

The first SE Signers BSL Cafe Social of 2024 features a special guest!

The meetup starts at 1:00pm, and RAD will be joining us from 2:00pm, offering free 1:1 support sessions in BSL to answer any questions you may have on voting for the upcoming election in 2024, including voting rights, Voter ID, and the voting process.

SE Signers is a British Sign Language social meetup for d/Deaf and hearing users & learners of BSL, held on the second Sunday of every month.

The venue is Paxton Centre, a café and art gallery opposite Crystal Palace train station:

Paxton Centre, 52 Anerley Hill, London SE19 2AE

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5hRfoeeQAU6WJT3w9

We are using the ground level cafe area for the event.

Free entry, but please buy refreshments from Paxton Centre café to support our hosts. They sell coffee, tea, soft drinks, toasted sandwiches, ciabattas and cakes/pastries.

Hope to see you there!

We are pleased to Welcome the Bethlem Art Group for our first gallery Exhibition in 2024.

Bethlem Artist Collective formed in Autumn 2022 to stimulate mutual friendship, support and creative collaboration following the isolation of the pandemic. Our exhibition “Mirror Mirror”, generously hosted by the Paxton Centre, arises from this remit and its thematic focus is to challenge in audiences’ misconceptions about disabled and mentally ill people and open a constructive and reflective space for conversations on the uplifting role of creativity.

We aim to connect with people who are not necessarily part of a hospital setting, so we can contribute to a deeper understanding and acceptance of disability and mental ill-health, as these can affect anyone during their lifetime.

Nicola Field makes drawings and paintings, often using visual text, exploring the effects of trauma and neurodiversity on the body and mind. For Mirror Mirror, she wanted to show what can’t be seen in a mirror, but what we can still find reflected in one another. Instagram @nicola_field_art

Karta Works with clay, paint, drawing, photography and audio. A recent graduate of Central St Martins, she is interested in the stories hidden within us that, when heard, reveal the many strands of commonality among humans: stories of suffering, joy, ill health, love, hope, loss, deceit, gain, fear and bravery. Everyone has a story to share, and experiences that often mirror our own. Instagram: @kartadharma


Sue Morgan is the sole employee of Breathing is Difficult Enuff, Inc., having held the position of low-level metaphysical assistant for over 25 years. She would be marginally more content in a world without mirrors. Instagram @suemorgan209
web: www.suemorgan209.com


Corinne (They/Them) is a disabled self-portrait artist. This year marks their 6th year of spending almost every day confined to bed. For ‘Mirror Mirror’ Corinne created self-portraits Influenced by Frida Kahlo. Frida began painting self-portraits whilst confined to bed using a mirror that was fastened to her canopy bed. @corinnesdiary

Carlos Cortes is a multidisciplinary artist. His studio work includes paintings, drawings and sculptures. His left-hand drawings, and the interaction with found objects, are tools for the exploration of the unconscious, seeds from which characters and stories emerge and thrive. His public art and participatory projects are often site specific and performative, based on a dialogue with landscape, architecture and communities.Instagram @carloscortesart1

Sage is autistic and lives by the sea with another human and a pair of canis familiaris. Drawing has been a lifelong way to map the rich inner world he creates and a method to process the environment surrounding him. He is a committee member of Brighton Autistic Collective, accepts portrait commissions and teaches art part-time. Historically, obsidian mirrors were used by Aztec priests to conjure visions and make prophesies. Black mirrors are known culturally as portals to the supernatural realm. A black mirror enables Sage to search within: mapping his fictional island world of Utopic Locus.  You can find more of his artwork on instagram @michelangelo_from_the_turtles

Come and meet the artists, enjoy a drink and find out more about upcoming events and creative workshops.

Could you do with a laugh?
Well, this lovely bunch of comedians will make sure you have one.

Join us on the last Friday of the month for a side-splitting romp through the week's news. It's in a format, not entirely disimilar to those TV panel shows, but this one is live and unedited, plus there is a bar.

Our team will bring you the freshest, topical comedy and an all-round fun night with a different line-up every month.

We’ve been gathering reviews from members of the Palace Panel Show audience. Here’s some of our favourite feedback…

“My husband and I have been to a couple of the Palace Panel Shows to meet up with friends, they were great nights, original comedy, with a fab intimate venue. Would definitely recommend to others.” Lisa from Tonbridge

“Surprisingly funny.” Sarah from Gipsy Hill

“I thought the way quotes work is that you write them then ask us if we are happy to be quoted? But from our very enjoyable evening in April, I would recommend the panel’s witty playing off each other.” Mike from Paddington
“A wonderfully convivial evening with just the right ratio of belly laughs and beer." Helly from Penge

“A volcanic blast of molten humour flowing into every orifice - bringing rapture and delight and being sure to burn the cockles of your heart!” Chris from Wallington

Could you do with a laugh?
Well, this lovely bunch of comedians will make sure you have one.

Join us on the last Friday of the month for a side-splitting romp through the week's news. It's in a format, not entirely disimilar to those TV panel shows, but this one is live and unedited, plus there is a bar.

Our team will bring you the freshest, topical comedy and an all-round fun night with a different line-up every month.

We’ve been gathering reviews from members of the Palace Panel Show audience. Here’s some of our favourite feedback…

“My husband and I have been to a couple of the Palace Panel Shows to meet up with friends, they were great nights, original comedy, with a fab intimate venue. Would definitely recommend to others.” Lisa from Tonbridge

“Surprisingly funny.” Sarah from Gipsy Hill

“I thought the way quotes work is that you write them then ask us if we are happy to be quoted? But from our very enjoyable evening in April, I would recommend the panel’s witty playing off each other.” Mike from Paddington
“A wonderfully convivial evening with just the right ratio of belly laughs and beer." Helly from Penge

“A volcanic blast of molten humour flowing into every orifice - bringing rapture and delight and being sure to burn the cockles of your heart!” Chris from Wallington

British Sign Language social meetup for d/Deaf and hearing users & learners of BSL, held on the second Sunday of every month.

The venue is Paxton Centre, a café and art gallery opposite Crystal Palace train station:

Paxton Centre, 52 Anerley Hill, London SE19 2AE

We are using the ground level cafe area for the event.

Free entry, but please buy refreshments from Paxton Centre café to support our hosts. They sell coffee, tea, soft drinks, toasted sandwiches, ciabattas and cakes.

Hope to see you there!

Joining us in December in the gallery are six individual artists displaying and selling their diverse arts works throughout the month. Come and meet the artists, enjoy a drink and find out more about our space for all things creative.

Sophie Medhurst - Oil Painting

Sophie's work focuses on the 'Spirit of Place' of locations where there is harmony between ourselves and our surroundings and captures the sense of mystery and wellbeing that these places bring.  She paints in oils, usually landscapes and paintings inspired by nature. 

Will. Clarke - Screen Prints

Will Clarke’s illustrated prints of architectural landmarks are immediately recognisable. Born and raised in South-West London, Will remains passionate about the changing nature of the urban landscape. With a love for iconic architecture, he has a particular interest in buildings with historical resonance and character. Some time ago Will undertook a six-month drawing of London, as seen from the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. The illustration he created inspired him to undertake a series of architectural drawings, and he has been fascinated by architecture and the urban landscape ever since.

Jillian Shillito - Painting

My name is Jill Shillito and I live in Oxted in East Surrey. I always wanted to be an artist from my earliest memory but ended up working as a secretary in a bank in the City.  I pursued my interest in art in the evening at various art schools in London and worked on my own.As time went on I developed a particular fondness for using relief printing in wood and intaglio with collagraph. I used to exhibit annually with a society in a London, but the society has now dissolved so it is a wonderful opportunity to be able to exhibit at The Paxton Centre. As can be seen in my work, I am inspired by the natural world and the human figure.

Harkiran Kalsi - Graphic Design

Harkiran Kalsi is an energetic and exciting freelance artist who uses her art to bring positive vibes and uplift people. Her work is an exciting blend of graphic design, murals, illustration, and freehand typography. Harkiran began her career in her hometown of Leamington Spa working for Coventry City Council and Warwickshire College but soon after landed a job in London working for BBC Children in Need which led her to work with some amazing organisations such as Comic Relief, Footlocker x NBA, New Balance, #Merky Books, Channel 4, EA Sports and more. She uses her platform to shine a light where it matters. She was mentioned by Creative Boom as the ’25 most exciting graphic designers and illustrators’ to follow during International Women’s Day. Her passion for running led her to become The Stolen Starts Ambassador for New Balance from 2021-2022.

Simon Bailey - Oil Painting

Simon Bailey was born and still lives in South London. He studied A levels in Art and design and graphical communication at college.  After college Simon did not touch any art medium for 20 years, but started painting again on the advice from a Neurologist to help relieve the pain from daily migraines. Simon now paints daily using oils, working mainly on landscape involving trees and clouds.  He has picked up the title “The Cloud Man" from fellow artists.  Simon finds that having Dyslexia is an advantage when creating art as it helps to think outside the box and be free from rules.

Raechel Tullet - Abstract Art

My artistic practice is concerned with how we as humans journey through and interact with the natural world and each other. The Artist’s Sketchbook collection is an ongoing series of fine art prints made from my sketchbook, where I am exploring gestural mark making, colour combinations and textures. The originals of the prints you see today have all been created with certain places and times in mind.