“One of the most elegant art spaces in London,” Adrian Searle,
The Guardian

The South London Gallery has an international reputation for its programme of contemporary art exhibitions and live art events, with integrated education projects for children, young people and adults. Five exhibitions each year profile the work of established international figures such as Tom Friedman, Mark Dion, Rivane Neuenschwander, Alfredo Jaar and Superflex; as well as that by younger and mid-career British artists such as Eva Rothschild and Ryan Gander. Group shows bring together works by established and lesser known British and international artists. The gallery’s live art and film programme has included presentations by Rachel Gomme, Nathaniel Mellors, Gail Pickering, OMSK and Gisele Vienne, and occasional large scale off-site projects have included those by On Kawara in Trafalgar Square in 2004, and Chris Burden at Chelsea College of Art Parade Ground in 2006.

Exhibitions and many of the SLG’s events are free, and the gallery and café are open late until 9pm on Wednesday evenings.

Opening hours

The South London Fine Art Gallery opened on 4 May 1891 and was founded as a 'gallery for the people of south London open to the public free, and on Sundays'. It showed a changing programme of fine and applied arts exhibitions and began to collect works of art including many relating to the local area.

The gallery is constructed of Portland stone and hand-made pressed bricks, much favoured by the Arts and Crafts tradition of the time. The original marquetry floor (not on public display) was designed by Walter Crane and bears the inscription “The source of art is in the life of a people”.

In 2010 the gallery opened additional buildings designed by 6a Architects to provide new small-scale galleries, an artists’ flat, a café, gardens, and an education and events studio on the footprint of the original lecture hall. The Matsudaira Wing, Clore Studio and Fox Garden opened to the public on 25 June 2010.

Gallery history

The South London Gallery collection began with the inception of the gallery in 1891. It has grown over the gallery's lifetime and includes works by Modern British artists, a collection of more than 500 20th century prints and contemporary works relating to South London. Although the collection is not on permanent display it is it is a valuable resource for projects with schools allowing pupils hands on experience of contemporary works of art.

Find out more about the contemporary collection

The SLG is a charity which receives ongoing support from Art Council England, Southwark Council, the Big Lottery, Helen Thorpe, Outset Contemporary Art Fund. It relies on fundraising from trusts and foundations and a network of individual supporters to realise its ambitious programme of exhibitions and events.

Find out more about supporting the SLG