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Cafe Gallery Projects is one of two contemporary arts venues in Southwark Park managed by CGP London.

History and Development Cafe Gallery Projects is a purpose-built space and is the second art gallery to occupy this site. The first gallery was established when the Bermondsey Artists’ Group rescued the park’s derelict café in 1984 transforming it into the first contemporary art gallery in Bermondsey. Looking out from the entrance you will see the blue fountain (aerator), which is all that remains of the Lido that stood on the site of the playground from 1923 until 2002. From the beginning, the gallery proved to be highly popular with artists, audiences and the local community. For local artists it provided the opportunity to exhibit their work in a venue that is both supportive and willing to take risks. At the same time, it enabled all sections of the community to fully participate in the arts. After some fourteen years of activity, it became clear that to overcome the severe shortcomings of the old converted café building a purpose-built venue was required. In partnership with Arts Council England and Southwark Council, over £500,000 was raised from the National Lottery, other charities plus individual supporters. The current gallery opened in early 2001 with a solo exhibition by Mary Evans.

Architecture The building project was designed and managed by Southwark Build Design Service, led by architect John Wilder, to meet usage specifications set out by Ron Henocq, Director and David Allen, Strategic Development. The aim was to create a gallery that was 50% larger than the original in order to provide: Maximum available wall space for exhibiting art, full disabled access, a clean simple neutral environment, a main space with controllable lighting, a large transparent entrance, a space for the Learning and Community Access Programme, and storage and office facilities. The building’s key architectural features reflect the fact that it was designed to maximise its use as an art gallery. The floor to ceiling doors were constructed onsite and provide both for an impressive welcoming entrance to the Main Space and serve to reduce daylight when appropriate for a particular exhibition. The height of the Long Space (to the left as you enter the building and leading out to the garden) reflects the height of the old building’s kitchen area.

The patio garden was designed to exhibit large-scale sculptures. In 2009, for the curated group exhibition ‘Make, Shift and Bend’, artist Janice Macaulay installed an allotment in the garden as the base for her ‘Live Well!’ art project. This proved to be so popular with visitors, workshop participants and the local community that the beds were retained. They are now an important part of our Learning and Community Access Programme where local families undertake the gardening with gardener Frances Ward.

Funding CGP London receives core funding from Arts Council England and Southwark Council. They also rely on additional funding from trusts, charities and individuals to deliver art and learning programmes.

CGPLondon: Cafe Gallery and Dilston Grove and is managed by the Bermondsey Artists’ Group which is an artist-led organisation, a not-for-profit company registered in England no.3353857 and a Registered Charity no. 1073851.