Camden Art Centre occupies the former Hampstead Central Library, a Grade II listed building on the corner of Arkwright Road and Finchley Road. Designed by Arnold Tayler and funded by Sir Henry Harben, it opened as a library in 1897.
The building survived incendiary bombs in 1940. In 1945 a V2 rocket destroyed part of it and a row of neighbouring houses, on ground that is now the garden.
From library to art centre
When the library stock moved to Swiss Cottage in 1964, the building became Hampstead Arts Centre a year later, offering classes in painting, life drawing, pottery, printing and design. It took the name Camden Arts Centre in 1967 and dropped the “s” in 2020.
Jenni Lomax directed the centre from 1990 to 2017 and built its programme of exhibitions, residencies and events. Tony Fretton Architects completed a major refurbishment in early 2004. Martin Clark became director in 2017.
Exhibitions and residencies
Solo shows have included Anya Gallaccio, Tal R, Eva Hesse, Kara Walker and Kerry James Marshall, along with Angela de la Cruz’s first UK solo exhibition in 2010. Caroline Achaintre, Anne Hardy, Martin Creed, Simon Starling and Mike Nelson have all held residencies.
Liz Larner’s A hard line to bend runs until 17 January 2027, while George Clark holds a residency until March 2027.
Location: Hampstead, London, United Kingdom
Address: Arkwright Road, London NW3 6DG, United Kingdom
Website: camdenartcentre.org
Instagram: @camdenartcentre
