London is quite rightly recognised as one of the most important cultural hubs in the world. Artists have been inspired by the city for centuries from the Renaissance and Baroque painters that found patronage in Royal courts all the way to the infamous YBA (Young British Artists) scene of the 1990s that introduced us to Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. There is definitely a special energy in the capital that thousands of people have used as their muse for some incredible artistic works.
The Best Art Stores in London
Inevitably, this activity also made London a hotspot for art dealers and supply shops. Even the great Vincent Van Gogh lived and worked as part of this industry before taking up the brush himself. Let us be your guide across some of the greatest art shops in London to find out where this heritage lives on in 2024.
Atlantis
You simply can’t get a bigger range of art supplies anywhere in the country, not just London, than at Atlantis Art. This huge Aladdin’s cave of everything art is based is the hipster haven of Hackney – recently included as one of Vogue’s 15 coolest neighbourhoods in the world. It has everything you could want for whether you are a beginner, developing your craft or working your way to a grand master status.
It also caters for every discipline with brushes, paints and pens alongside the heavier duty materials required for printmaking, sculpture and ceramics. Atlantis was created by artists for artists, more than 40 years ago. With the large majority of working staff still practising as artists themselves it allows for a more informed and knowledgeable customer service for all questions and enquiries too.
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Cass Art
Cass Art began with one store in Charing Cross at the start of the 1980s and has grown into a much bigger enterprise with multiple sites across London and further afield. Their mission is a wonderful indicator of the kind of high level products and service you can expect from them… “Let’s fill this town with artists!”.
As their values clearly state, they are committed to encouraging everyone to realise their creative talents through the products they bring to artists at all levels. This means there are always workshops, demonstrations, events and exhibitions to be enjoyed within their stores and spaces too. The Kensington branch in particular is a favourite for its regular oil painting or mono printing workshops, with one-off events like calligraphy lessons and showcases also appearing there throughout the year. These are a great way to get involved and draw on professional experience to further your own artistic journey in style.
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L Cornelissen & Sun
L Cornelissen & Sun was established almost 200 years ago and is renowned around the world for specialising in rare and hard to find art supplies of the highest quality. The air of Victorian sophistication is unmistakable as you explore their premises on Great Russell Street, with some breathtaking original features that remain there. As you would expect, the business has a fascinating heritage with some stories suggesting the great watercolour Master himself J.M.W Turner was key to its creation. Louis Cornelissen was a Belgian lithographer looking for new premises as he moved from Paris.
Turner recommended London to him, and the rest is now history for generations of the capital’s artists to take advantage of. The selection of world-leading brands here is second to none in all of the country, with a customer service that promises to reward every search with exactly what is required.
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Russell & Chapple
Russell & Chapple was established in 1770 and is proud to be recognised as London’s oldest supplier of canvas and fabrics to the capital’s artists and theatres. Painters and set designers have relied on them for some of the biggest shows in town across over 200 years of trading with a range of canvases of all sizes available in linen, cotton and polyester. An extensive collection of oils and watercolours can also be found here from brands and suppliers that belong to a long tradition of fine art creators and enthusiasts.
Modern production methods are catered for too, with the very best selection of digital printing rolls and sheets alongside studio equipment and accessories. The Russel and Chapple linen aprons are almost an iconic fashion statement themselves, ensuring that you can look the part as you start to create your very own masterpiece.
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Green and Stone of Chelsea
Green and Stone of Chelsea was created on the famous Kings Road in 1927 and operates from premises that were once a shop trading in support of the Women’s Suffrage movement. This has been described as one of the most friendly and enchanting shops in all of London with a reputation for customer service that has led to a loyal client base for almost a century. Notable figures ranging from His Majesty King Charles III to David Hockney and Quentin Blake to Billy Connolly are all counted as past customers of their wonderful art supplies and materials over the years.
The G&S gallery that accompanies the shop on the site is also well known for its exhibitions that encourage young and emerging artists to get their feet on the ladder and open their work to the world. The 2024 summer exhibition is open for submissions now, so as you peruse their own brand supplies there may even be an opportunity to stake your own claim as the next big thing in London’s art scene.
If you are looking to make a splash on canvas, create the perfect print or sculpt your way into a rewarding new hobby, then London’s art shops have everything you need. Take the time to appreciate the history of their locations and the heritage of each premises as you walk in the footsteps of thousands of artists before you. There is guaranteed to be something incredible and remarkable on every corner that can inspire and influence your creative process. All of these shops can help you realise your vision as you let the magic take hold.
