Kingswood House, a historic Victorian mansion located in the heart of South Dulwich, is reopening its doors to the public after an extensive renovation. The mansion, which is listed as a Grade II heritage building, has been transformed into a vibrant community hub for the creative arts, aimed at nurturing and celebrating local talent.

Originally built in 1811, the mansion has a rich history and has been a significant landmark in the area for generations. In the 1890s, it was extended by John Lawson Johnston, the inventor of Bovril, and affectionately became known as Bovril Castle. During World War One the house was used as a convalescent home for Canadian Soldiers and during World War Two the basements were modified into a bomb shelter. In the 1950s it was turned into a community centre until it was forced to close during Covid-19.

April 2023 sees the mansion house brought back to life by not-for-profit organisation, Kingswood Arts in collaboration with Southwark Council, to restore the beautiful building to its original grandeur, while also being outfitted with modern amenities to support the needs of the vibrant creative community.

Throughout the year, it will also serve as a venue for weddings and private events, with all profits injected straight back into nurturing the creativity of the local community and continued restoration and upkeep of the mansion building. From 17th April onwards, Kingswood Arts will launch its programme of free youth activities that will span Dance classes, Free visual arts clubs, childrens bookstart sessions, holiday clubs to name but a few.

The newly refurbished mansion boasts several spacious rooms that will serve as studios and workshop spaces for artists, writers, musicians, and other creatives. The mansion will host regular exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, aimed at bringing together the local community and celebrating the rich diversity of talent in the area. It will provide opportunities for the whole community to meet and engage in a variety of meaningful activities; space for parents and young children during the day and after school activities; space for older people; space for multi cultural exchange; space for families and for groups who want to pursue a particular activity; space to work, to play, to talk, space to see, to appreciate, to experience, to do arts and crafts in all of its forms; a place to learn about things and about oneself, a place to think, to create, to act.

Future plans include the launch of the Kingswood House Indoor Green Oasis located in the Victorian Era Palm Court, and an outdoor community garden project where locals can come together to learn how to grow flowers, herbs and vegetables and other gardening skills.

The reopening of Kingswood House marks a significant milestone in the cultural history of the area and is a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving its heritage while also embracing the future. With its commitment to nurturing creativity and providing a vibrant space for artistic expression, the mansion is poised to become a beacon for culture and the arts in the area. Kingswood House will officially open to the community on Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, with a host of activities.

Jack Hartshorn, Co Founder and General Manager of Kingswood Arts and the driving force behind the restoration project said: “We are so excited and privileged to be given the opportunity to reopen the doors of this amazing historic building. We will operate the building with care, creativity and consciousness of the environment, but most importantly we believe that co-creation with the community here is the only way to make a genuine impact on peoples’ lives! Our vision is to create a dynamic space that fosters creativity and provides a platform for local artists to showcase their work and connect with each other and the wider community. We are just getting started so our message to you is come and get involved and be part of our journey!”

What: KINGSWOOD HOUSE LAUNCH FESTIVAL WEEKEND
When: Fri 7th – Sunday 9th April 2023
Address: Kingswood Arts, Kingswood House, Seeley Drive, Southwark, SE21 8QN
Price: FREE