Open House Festival

Collections

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Saved by local people

Caro Communications is a leading PR and digital agency based in Clerkenwell: as cultural communications strategist, Caro provides support to Open House Festival throughout the year.

Caro’s collection highlights spaces that exist at the intersections of London’s social and political life: buildings and places that have been saved, restored or reactivated by local people for their communities. The buildings and spaces in the collection have all been, or are in the process of being, saved from dereliction, eviction, or demolition.

The collection features buildings that have been afforded a second lease of life right across the capital. Through acts of protest, community-led conservation, or simply congregations of people with a shared passion for motorcycling, Caro recognises the local people that keep these buildings and their progressive social and political activity alive.

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Ace Cafe London

restaurant/bar

Established in 1938, Ace Cafe London has become ‘the home’ for petrolheads and is known as the world’s most famous motor cafe, based on a shared passion for the rich traditions of motorcycles, cars and rock ’n’ roll.

Unknown, 1938

Drop in / Guided tour

Brixton Advice Centre

community/cultural

Brixton Advice Centre is an ordinary building with an extraordinary life. The only building in Lambeth with two blue plaques, the last building squatted by Olive Morris, final home of CLR James, windows by legendary designer Jon Daniel. The oldest Advice Centre in London. Offices of the Race Today Collective. See how we are still on the Frontline of Brixton and changing lives.

No architect name, 1902

Drop in / Walking tour

Broadwater Farm Estate - Murals and Mosaics Tour

art in the public realm

Join us for a walking tour of the large-scale murals and Grade II listed mosaic mural on Broadwater Farm Estate, commissioned in the 1980s in the wake of riots on the estate. Visit the mosaic restoration facility on the estate to hear from conservation professionals, get up close to local community art, see restoration techniques and learn about the history and future of the mosaic mural.

Mural artist names: Gulsun Erbil (Equality-Harmony mural), Anthony Steele (Peace mural), Bernette Hall (Waterfall mural), 1986

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South Norwood Library

library, civic

The purpose-built library is a fine example of brutalist architecture. Built by Hugh Lea, Borough Architect for Croydon, in 1968 the main volume shows Miesian influence with an abundance of natural light, interrupted by a concrete cuboid.

Hugh Lea , 1966

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The Mildmay Club

club, civic, community/cultural, concert/performance space, entertainment

A rare example of a large purpose built metropolitan working men’s club with over 100 years of history. A once dignified building, revival Queen Anne style in the late-Victorian period, Grade II listed in 2019.

Alfred Allen, 1900

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Van Gogh House London

gallery, historical house

The carefully renovated Van Gogh House seeks to share its story and inspire a new generation of artists through Van Gogh’s London story. The house curates a dynamic programme of events anchored in the artist’s practice and local heritage.

Unknown, 1824