A local family are planning on breathing new life into the old Aceri Restaurant next to Santander in Forest Hill. Joanna, Emily and Paul are planning to convert the premises into a new Artist’s studios, Gallery and Art/Up-cycled café called Canvas & Cream. They have got together with local people to develop the idea.
Canvas & Cream will comprise an artists’ designed Up-Cycled Café/community dining room, a dedicated Gallery space with community workshop and events programme and ten artists/artisans studios which will be available for rental and exhibitions. It has local social objectives at its core and intends to develop these in the future to include an Artist’s social enterprise.
The configuration of the building in Forest Hill is such that the café will have high street frontage onto London Road. Further back in the building will be an art gallery with natural light coming through glass roof lights. A dedicated community education/workshop room is included in the plans adjacent to the gallery space. At the rear of the property will be an area that will be divided into artists and artisans studioswhich will be accessed from Havelock Walk, integrating them into the existing artist’s community.
They are currently in the initial stages of design and want to make sure that the local and surrounding community take part in its evolution. As well as incorporating people’s ideas and involving people in the planning stages, they are looking for items to Up-Cycle e.g. old furniture (broken is OK), salvaged architecture, kitchen or catering equipment, building materials, reclaimed flooring, etc. If you have it, they can probably use it and would be very grateful! They are also looking for people with experience in electrics, plumbing, building, carpentry or people with enthusiasm and a commitment to community who are willing to offer a hand. If you are interested in any aspect, or would be interested in renting a studio, running a workshop or exhibiting your works, please email them at info@canvasandcream.co.uk
