London is well-known for its rich art culture and history, which continues to thrive to this day.
But where are artists getting their supplies from to keep art alive in the capital?
Although there are plenty of art supply shops across London, in this article we take a look at some of the more iconic shops the capital has to offer.
So whether you’re a beginner or professional, looking for modern art tools or traditional crafts supplies – here are 7 iconic art supply shops to explore.
Contents
1. L. Cornelissen & Son
London’s most iconic art shop
Located just a stone’s throw from The British Museum, L. Cornelissen & Son is one of London’s most historic high-end art supply shops.
Drawing in a mix of professional and beginner artists, L. Cornelissen & Son stock a range of high-quality own-brand products including luxury pigment powders and rabbit skin glue for canvas painting.
They also stock a range of luxury gilding and restoration materials, which they’ve become famous for since opening in 1855.
Expect a warm welcome and expert advice in-store, as they’re renowned for their high level of customer service. Even if you’re just passing by, it’s worth dropping in to experience the shop’s classic British charm.
L. Cornelissen & Son
105 Great Russell St
London
WC1B 3RY
View on map
2. GreatArt
One of London’s biggest art shops
Located in arty Shoreditch, GreatArt opened its doors in 2016 and has since been integral to East London’s vibrant art scene.
Set across two floors, you’ll find everything from canvases & easels, graphics & illustration materials, to big brands like Posca and Faber-Castell. If it’s a tool used for art, GreatArt most likely has it. The shop is also perfect for finding gifts for artists and art lovers, as they stock a range of art books and art supply sets.
GreatArt promises the best price for art supplies through its price-match policy, so it’s a great choice for money-savvy buyers.
They also offer a student discount – making it an excellent choice for art students.
GreatArt
41-49 Kingsland Road
London
E2 8AG
View on map
3. Cass Art Islington
Cass Art’s flagship store
As one of the UK’s leading independent art supply shops, Cass Art has become the go-to destination for both beginner and professional artists. It’s no wonder they’ve been able to expand to 14 locations across the UK including six in London alone.
Set across 7,500 square feet over 3 floors, Cass Art’s flagship store in Islington is an artist’s paradise – showcasing a broad range of art supplies for all abilities.
Their Islington store is much more than just an art supply shop. It also features spaces for local artists to showcase their work, host workshops, give talks and more. It also has a social space on the first floor for artists to meet up and get creative.
Just like GreatArt, Cass Art also offers a student discount (both in-store and online), making it an excellent choice for college and university students.
Cass Art
66-67 Colebrooke Row
London
N1 8AB
View on map
4. Chrome & Black
London’s most legendary graffiti shop
If you’ve never heard of Chrome & Black before, it’s about time you get to know them a bit better.
Chrome & Black was established in 2008 by a collective of London’s most prolific graffiti artists. With graffiti art taking London by storm from the 1980s onwards, London was well-overdue a dedicated shop for graffiti and aerosol art supplies.
And what better than to be established by legendary London graffiti artists.
Chrome & Black are aerosol supply specialists – stocking an extensive range of spray paint including Molotow, Montana and MTN 94. They also offer other specialist art supplies such as graffiti markers, inks and accessories – including graffiti books.
Entering the store, you’ll instantly be hit by Chrome & Black’s underground and moody feel. But don’t let this fool you.
Expect quality service and product advice from aerosol experts, along with great deals on graffiti spray paint and other graffiti tools.
Chrome & Black
Unit 4
12 Andre Street
London
E8 2AA
View on map
5. The London Art Shop
Specialists in fine art materials
Based in Finchley, North London, The London Art Shop has been a landmark in the area for over 25 years – stocking a range of fine art and craft materials for artists of all abilities.
Known for their expert staff (all of which are practising artists), you’ll receive quality service and advice to help find the right art supplies for your project. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
The London Art Shop carries a broad range of supplies from fine art canvases and brush sets, to drawing supplies like calligraphy tools and fineliners.
It’s also a great shop to pick up a gift for an artist, as they offer a range of fine arts and crafts box sets. If you’re in the area, drop in and have a look around.
The London Art Shop
132 Finchley Road
London
NW3 5HS
View on map
6. Stuart R. Stevenson
Family-run for over 40 years
Family-run and independent since 1980, Stuart R. Stevenson is one of London’s most famed art shops specialising in artist and gilding materials.
In-store you’ll find an extensive range of high-quality art supplies from canvas and sketchbooks, to paintbrushes and pen sets. There’s so much to discover within this Clerkenwell gem.
Expect friendly service and expert advice for artists of all abilities. You’ll also be amazed at the British feel of this shop, including the ladders used by staff to reach items on the top shelf. If you’re in the Clerkenwell area, it’s absolutely worth a visit.
Stuart R. Stevenson
68 Clerkenwell Rd
London
EC1M 5QA
View on map
7. Russell & Chapple
London’s oldest supplier of fine art textiles
Established in 1770, Russell & Chapple is famous for being London’s oldest supplier of textiles for fine art. Although over the years, they’ve expanded their collection to include premium art supplies such acrylic, oil and watercolour paints, paintbrushes and art studio equipment.
Russell & Chapple is also unique in offering made-to-measure textiles which include canvases, stretcher frames and artists’ panels. So if you’re after fine art supplies for a bespoke project, this is the place for you.
Like all the shops on this list, you’ll find expert staff who will help you decide on the right tools for your project – no matter your artistic ability. It’s worth the visit for any fine art enthusiast.
Russell & Chapple
30-31 Store Street
London
WC1E 7QE
View on map
