Where is the Barbican Art Room?
The Art Room is only accessible from the Barbican Estate podium which is a network of pedestrian paths elevated from the street level.
The Art Room is located at the junction of Andrewes Highwalk and Willoughby Highwalk.
It is indicated by a white sign behind a gate leading to a staircase, and just one level below the podium.
Do not trust Google Maps to give you directions! The Barbican Podium is not correctly charted on the usual map apps.
More access details below...
How do I go to the Barbican Art Room?
There are several routes available as shown on the 3D map above:
1 From Moorfields / Moorgate Underground station (Elizabeth line exit) via adjacent stairs, lift and escalator to podium level. There are also stairs and a lift giving access to this walkway from Moor Lane.
2 From Guildhall / London Wall via elevated walkway.
3 From St. Paul's Underground station / London Wall / south western portion of the Barbican Estate.
4 From the Barbican Arts Centre (Level 2) via Gilbert's Bridge over the lake.
5 From Barbican Underground station / northern portion of the Barbican Estate / Beech Gardens.
6 From lift and stair at corner of Moor Lane and Silk Street.
I am in front of the gate, how do I get into the Barbican Art Room?
A Pass through the half-height metal gate. The release catch is at the top-right corner on the rear face.
B Descend one storey of the concrete stairs (two flights).
C Enter via the left-hand door on the stair landing.
The Barbican is a maze, I am so lost - can anyone help me?
Contact your tutor in priority, as they will be in the Art Room waiting for you! They will contact you by email before your first class, so you should have a way to contact them back. Alternatively, you can contact us.
What is the application process?
There is no need to apply, you can directly book classes online!
However, if you contact us, our membership secretary will be happy to help you find a course which you will feel comfortable with and enjoy. As our room size is limited to eight students some classes may be full, but we will try to fit you to a class that best suits you. Please give us as much information as possible when you apply.
Are there other ways to pay class fees if I am unable to use the online store?
We are able to offer payment by card machine as well as traditional methods if you are unable to access the online payment system. Please contact us so we can make these arrangements with you.
Do you need any prior experience?
For most classes experience is not required. Some classes are more geared towards those with less experience, and are a better introduction for those who want to try out Art classes and then progress when they have more knowledge or confidence. Classes are small and tutors are able to offer guidance tailored to the abilities of each student. Check out class description for more details!
Do you have to live in the Barbican Estate?
We welcome residents from the local area, including the Golden Lane Estate, City of London and neighbouring boroughs. Our evening classes, starting at 6:30 pm, may suit those working in the city.
How do I travel to my Art Class/Workshop from Outer London Boroughs?
Since the opening of the Elizabeth line we have noticed more students coming from further afield, particularly for workshop days. The Barbican area is served by good transport links including from Moorgate station which is the closest to the Barbican Art Room, but Bank, St Paul's, Barbican and Liverpool Street stations are all suitable options within walking distance.
What are the 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 provided 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.
Is the Art Room accessible?
The Art Room is reached by stairs 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.
Where can I buy my Art Class materials?
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)