Menu closed Menu open
A  workshop run by Heart n Soul, a creative community and arts charity that works in partnership with Lewisham Arthouse. Credit - Richard Phoenix.
A workshop run by Heart n Soul, a creative community and arts charity that works in partnership with Lewisham Arthouse. Credit - Richard Phoenix.

Securing a Long-term Future for the Old Deptford Library

8 October 2024
England

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is very pleased to have awarded a Project Viability Grant to Lewisham Arthouse to support their plan to take on a long-term lease of the Old Deptford Library via a community asset transfer from Lewisham Council. This was one of 13 awards made at the latest grants meeting, where projects across England, Scotland and Wales were offered funding totalling £124,456.

Financed by Andrew Carnegie and designed by architect, Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas, Deptford Central Library in Lewisham opened in 1914. Throughout its history, it has played a significant role in the local community, from collaborating with Goldsmith’s college on adult education to organising the Civil Defence Canteen Service and Emergency Communal Feeding arrangements in WW2 – during this time, it also set up a system of libraries across twenty public air-raid shelters, allowing people to collect books after blackout. In 1946, the Deptford Municipal Arts & Civic Society was formed, using the library as its base.

deptford_central_library.jpg

Image: A historic photograph of the Old Deptford Library.

The library closed in 1991, after which it suffered heavily from vandalism, attracted squatters and became a venue for illegal raves. Concerned for the building’s future, The Friends of Deptford Library was formed; through public consultation and campaigning, the Friends convinced the local authority that the building should not be sold for redevelopment, but should instead remain in community use.

Lewisham Arthouse is an artist-led cooperative that has occupied the old library on a rolling licence since March 1994. They provide affordable studio space for artists and makers, and also operate a diverse programme of artist development, education and outreach, open house events, and contemporary visual arts/music events and workshops. The building is also currently used for community assemblies, maker fairs, fundraising events, pop-up cafes, screenings and polling days.

When speaking about the importance of Lewisham Arthouse, one person said: “The Arthouse is such an incredible building, with a unique atmosphere…a very special and precious resource for the local community. It's really important to preserve the good work that goes on here, at a time when these kinds of independent spaces are disappearing at an alarming rate.”

The Arthouse also works in partnership with other creative organisations, including Heart n Soul, an award-winning creative community and arts charity that believes in the power and talents of people with learning disabilities and autistic people; and Deptford X, London’s longest-running visual arts festival.

Jenny Trissino Dabiré from Heart n Soul, said: “The Lewisham Arthouse has been an amazing and accessible opportunity for Heart n Soul's young learning disabled and autistic artists…These works have gone on to be shown and used as part of the Imagine Children’s Festival at The Southbank centre.”

Formally transferring the old library from the Council will enable Lewisham Arthouse to make long-term plans, secure the investment needed to improve the Grade II-listed site and expand their work. The AHF grant will fund business planning to support the transfer, underpin their capital fundraising, and help develop a sustainable future for the building and organisation in this diverse part of south east London.

Reuben Thurnhill, General Manager at Lewisham Arthouse, said: "The AHF grant has given us the belief and opportunity to develop our business plan, which will enable us to secure the support needed to restore and develop the Old Deptford Library and celebrate its history with the whole community."

For more information about Lewisham Arthouse, please visit their website.

Share this item