About

History

Started as an Art Club for Barbican residents in 1998 with John Griffiths finding the facilities which we still use. Renamed as the Barbican Art Society in 2012 with a formal constitution, and then registered as a Charity in 2015. There are currently seven Tutors who run regular classes and over 70 students attend each term. We have added more classes in 2025

Facilities in the Art Room

The art room has stocks of basic materials for students to use while they are in class - large sheets of paper, pencils, charcoal, pastels, basic paints and brushes. Students are expected to provide their own specialist materials. Guidance is given for what will be required for each class, but we strongly advise students to only purchase basic or essential materials to start with. There is a list of local art supply shops on the dropdown below:

There is a wide range of books on art and artists for tutors and class members to refer to.

Coffee and tea are provided and there is usually a refreshment break during the class. Cleaning materials are available.

UPDATED 2025 - Local Art Shops & Online Art Suppliers:

We are happy to have your local recommendations! Please tell us if you know of other local framing shops or if our list is no longer up to date. There are many online Art equipment suppliers if you want to shop around for the best prices.

Stuart R Stevenson: http://www.stuartstevenson.co.uk/ (Local Independent Art Shop friendly and helpful)

London Graphic Centre: https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/about (Covent Garden Art Shop & Online Supplier)

Cass Art: https://www.cassart.co.uk/customer/pages/aboutuspage (Online supplies + Islington Art shop)

Cowling & Wilcox https://www.cowlingandwilcox.com/stores (Online supplies + Shoreditch Art shop)

Great Art: https://www.greatart.co.uk/london-shoreditch/ (Online supplies + Shoreditch Art shop)

Art Discount: https://artdiscount.co.uk/pages/artdiscount-own-brand-range (Online only)

Fletcher Gallery Services: https://www.fletcherframes.co.uk/ (Museum Quality Art Framing & Mounting)

A.Bliss: https://abliss.co.uk/service/introduction/ (Specialist Mounting)

Stocks Picture Framers: https://www.stockspictureframers.com/ (Local - 172 Clerkenwell Rd)

Southbank Art Co: https://southbankart.co.uk/collections/nielsen-readymade-frames (Frames to order)

bookartbookshop: http://www.bookartbookshop.com/ (Shop in Islington - Artist books, bookbinding materials)

Shepherds: https://store.bookbinding.co.uk/store/ (Online and Shop in Victoria - for Bookbinding, fine paper, courses)

Wyvern Bindery: https://www.wyvernbindery.com/ Repairs, new binding (portfolios, books, boxes etc)

Accessibility

The Art room is reached by a stair from Podium level. Alternative lift access is available for residents with a key or by arrangement. Access from the car park (Willoughby Level 01) is step free. We have a kitchen area and WC but these are not suitable for wheelchair access.