I explored 6 of the best Art Shops in London for artists: my Review
I’m an art shops junkie. If you’re here, you probably are too.
During in spring 2023 in London, on a not-so-rainy nor-so-cold day—2 days to be exact, though the 2nd day was a lot rainier an a lot colder… but I digress, this is not an essay about why English weather is so bad… I decided to go explore as many art supplies stores in London as I could.
In terms of art supplies shopping, I have not much expectation. Buying art supplies in London will be way more expensive (thank you inflation) than any other country in Europe. Of course, I’m not counting in Switzerland, please! But I did a little gouache hunting of my own in all those little art supply stores.
Here we are, if you’re looking for inspiration on art supply stores in London, join me on this exciting little adventure.
Spoiler alert: it’s fun.
View the stores map here.
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Green & Stone: Posh but Friendly Store
Located in the posh Chelsea area, Green & Stone invites you to experience its extensive collection of fine art supplies and a delightful gallery. With a rich history dating back to 1927, this shop exudes elegance. From a wide selection of painting and drawing papers to exquisite greeting cards and stationery, Green & Stone is a paradise for artists seeking top-quality materials. They may be small, but they got all the art supplies covered.
Art Supplies Shopping Experience at Green & Stone Art Shop
Let’s talk about the art supplies shopping experience. Despite the posh and preppy location from which I feared a lukewarm welcome, the staff at Green & Stone was the kindest and friendliest out of all art stores I visited in London!
This is where I’ve touched the famous French oil pastels from Sennelier for the first time (a treat!). I was so hesitant to try as they looked all new and beautiful (not to mention that I was filming at the same time, utterly nervous!). Yet one of the staff so kindly encouraged me try as much as I wanted . The dream!
Green & Stone art store is my 2nd favourite on this art shops list.
Gouache hunt at Green & Stone
This is the first store I went to. The only brand I found was Winsor & Newton, which was not so exciting.
My gouache hunt was not so fruitful, but I tried Sennelier oil pastels for the first time.
L. Cornelissen & Son: Victorian Wonderland (it is!)
Nestled in Soho, L. Cornelissen & Son is an iconic art shop that transports you to a Victorian art master's private sanctuary (yes this is my non-native speaker choice of words). Established in 1855, this enchanting store offers a diverse range of pencils, inks, pigments, and brushes. Once you step inside, you will immerse yourself in the classic and academic ambiance. Inspiring!
Art Supplies Shopping Experience at L. Cornelissen & Son
Are you a Victoriancore girl? This is the place where you will explore several brands of luxury art supplies with a Victorian hint.
Or if you like Harry Potter, like myself. It feels like Hogwarts, but way smaller and for artists.
Or if you just happen to be in London, to be honest. The store itself is worth a visit.
Some supplies intrigued me, like a tiny-thinny pencil (you’ll have to watch my video to see what it looks like, that’s right, this is a trap!), and obviously the medieval ink for which L. Cornelissen is famous for.
Looking for a 1£ oak gall, a dose of rabbit glue to concoct your own paint, or a 17£ brush cleaner (16,95 to be precise)? L. Cornelissen & Son has it all.
my Gouache hunt at L. Cornelissen & Son
Schminke Artist Gouache and Winsor & Newton are what I found. Honest opinion? Boring (I was getting cranky and disappointed with the lack of gouache)!
Russell & Chapple: Paradise for Art Textiles (so not for me…)
Located in the Bloomsbury neighbourhood, Russell & Chapple is London's oldest supplier of textiles for fine art. Established in 1770, this shop seamlessly blends modernity with artisanal expertise. Alongside renowned art supply brands, Russell & Chapple specialises in made-to-measure textiles for artists, including canvases, stretcher frames, and artists' panels. Discover the versatility and variety of textile options, expanding your artistic horizons. Additionally, their extensive range of solvents and varnishes caters to artists seeking diverse choices.
Art Supplies Shopping Experience at russell & chapple
I did not vibe with this art shop too much, if I was to talk like a gen Z (which I am not, but please don’t ask me for my age).
This art shop is THE shop for painting canvas though.
Have you heard of Double French Oil Primed Linen? Or maybe Belgian Medium Double Oil Primed Linen?
If you answered yes, you must go there. On my part, I had no idea there were so many types of canvas. But it all made sense, you see? Why would there be several types of paper but not canvas which existed way before paper?
I felt a little lest dumb after this art store.
my Gouache hunt at Russell & chapple
Should I even say anything?
London Graphic Centre: a one-stop art store, with Everything for Everyone
Located near Covent Garden, the London Graphic Center welcomes a broad audience with its multifunctional setting and accessible atmosphere. This spacious store spans two floors, each offering a different experience.
On the first floor is where you’ll find wide array of notebooks, sketching papers, and stationery from popular brands like Moleskine and Leuchtturm. And even cute stationery from Taiwan and Japan! But I was in control of my greed, as my trip back to Japan was coming in a few months.
On the second floor, it’s the world of fine art supplies for all artists. Whether you're a student, graphic designer, or hobbyist, the London Graphic Center makes sure there's something for everyone. This is an ideal one-stop destination for anyone who needs anything.
Art Supplies Shopping Experience at the london graphic centre
I remembered going to the cashier, where a young staff member took my cart, looked at me and asked “You’re half Asian right?!”.
I dropped my introverted façade and went nuts. “Oh my god! Yes! You are too right?!”.
Of course, he was! He was half-Japanese and happy to meet a fellow half-Asian (I’m Belgian-Thai). We talked about how weird it was that none of the country our genes come from would consider us to be from that countries. It felt so nice to meet someone that understands how you feel!
Anecdote aside, this store felt generalist. Which is not a bad thing of course. Simply, I didn’t feel overly excited as an artist there.
I felt excited as professional graphic designer though. The art shop has all the graphic notebooks that excite me, and the cute Asian stationery. Other than that, I didn’t feel like spending too much time there, contrarily to Green & Stone.
The prices were great, though. The art shop offers many discounts on several essential everyday art supply, such as sketching paper, pencils etc.
my Gouache hunt at the london graphic centre
I’m getting tired…
Free Printable Portrait Art - “Osaka People”
I recently went to Osaka and painted cool fashionable people. Here are the digital versions of what I painted in Japan. Printable up to A5 format. I hope you enjoy!
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Atlantis ART MATERIALS: Secretly Cat-Owned Store • ﻌ • (nobody will tell me otherwise)
Located in the artistic enclave of Hackney, Atlantis sets itself apart with its edgy urban vibe and an unexpected owner—an enigmatic black cat.
The art shop has the independent and industrial atmosphere to it, displaying an impressive range of brushes, easels, paints, and papers.
Atlantis Art Materials is famous for their own craft paper. It’s a little bit far away from the centre, but travelling for cat destroys all barriers for me.
Art Supplies Shopping Experience at Atlantis Art Materials
If I can recall my memories correctly, this was the most expensive art shop out of all the ones I went to. Considering the ex-centred location and its young creative audience, I was quite surprised.
Needless to say, I came here only for the cat, nothing else mattered.
We played a little bit of hide and seek, had a little fun of our own (in reality I was probably playing alone, the cat couldn’t care less about me).
Fulfilling.
my Gouache hunt at Atlantis Art Materials
Finally something exciting!
Atlantis Art Materials had the classic Winsor and Newton, which I don’t love at all. BUT, they also had gouache from Daler-Rowney!
I have never tried gouache from Daler-Rowney, only their watercolour paper. I would not have been excited if their colour range was basic. Luckily for me, it wasn’t!
The brand has an amazing range of grey tones, which I bought to try.
Cass Art Islington
A Greenhouse but with Art Supplies (& my personal favourite)
Islington. Eye-lington? Easslinton? To hell the pronunciation!
In my ‘London art supplies store’ video, I kept pronouncing Islington “eye-lington”, when it’s in fact just ‘eass” lington.
People mock French vowels, but at least they are predictable! Ha!
Anyway, Cass Art beckons with its expansive and beautifully lit three-story building.
This branch stands out for its green-house style architecture snd spaciousness, giving a comfortable and inspiring environment for visitors.
This art shop also hosts workshops for children and features exhibitions by local talents on their ground floor!
Art Supplies Shopping Experience at Cass art islington
Cass Art Islington was my ultimate favourite art shop in London.
I loved the interior design, the art supplies (except the absence of diversity in gouache again!). I loved all of their watercolour paper options, including the postcard format ones.
If I could, I would camp there to have time to go through everything.
my Gouache hunt at Cass art islington
Still deceived, but buying Daler-Rowney designer gouache from Atlantis cured my heart-break. A little.
Stuart R. Stevenson Art shop
closes way too early so I did not get to see it
Stuart R. Stevenson, a hidden gem in South Kensington, specialises in printmaking supplies and services. This family-owned business has been serving the artistic community since 1949, offering a wide range of printmaking materials, including inks, plates, rollers, and tools.
I arrived too late, so stay tuned for my review in July 2024, date on which I will be back in London.
Jackson’s Art supplies
you’ll need to come back in july 2024
I have no idea how I missed this apparently must-go art shop in London.
So many people commented that I NEEDED to got here. So I accept it. I will go there in July 2024.
Don’t feel too tricked ;-P
Hop on the tube with me!
London's art shops are not just places to buy supplies; they are gateways to inspiration and artistic fulfillment. Whether you're an established artist or a curious beginner, these shops offer a haven where creativity knows no bounds. Embark on your own artistic adventure, explore the hidden gems, and discover the treasures that await you in these enchanting London art shops. Let the vibrant art scene captivate your imagination and let these havens of inspiration become your artistic sanctuaries.
Watch my London Art Supplies Stores Exploration above!
Free Printable Vintage Floral Art Prints
A free colourful floral bundle to add a lively vibe with a cosy vintage touch to your personal space. The bundle includes 3 digital printable at 30x40 cm files
Download the bundle