Did you know that Blackheath Halls claims to be London’s oldest surviving purpose-built cultural venue? It stands proudly on Lee Road in Blackheath. It has a rich history and continues to be a vibrant part of the community.
Blackheath Halls first opened in 1895. Local residents wanted to bring the arts to Blackheath. They purchased shares in a company established by William Webster. This income funded the building of the Conservatoire of Music. Blackheath Halls was part of this original vision.
William Webster was a polymath with artistic and scientific interests. He played the violin, sang, and exhibited paintings. He also worked in chemical engineering and X-ray research.
Blackheath Halls faced demolition in the 1980s. Local businesses and the community rallied to save it. Extensive renovation and restoration followed. The Halls fully reopened in 1991. Today Blackheath Halls is owned by Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
The Halls features a 600-seat Great Hall. There is also a 160-seat recital room. Blackheath Halls caters for classical concerts, music gigs and stand-up comedy. It encourages the local community to get involved. There are many family performances and activities.
The Blackheath Conservatoire of Music offered many classes over the years. These included Musical Kindergarten and Physical Exercise. Fencing, Deportment, Elocution and Modern Languages were also available. Teacher training was offered for those wanting to become music professors.
Many famous alumni have graced the halls of the Blackheath Conservatoire. Daniel Day-Lewis studied here. Kate Bush was a student from 1970 to 1976. Gary Oldman studied piano for three years. Jools Holland studied here in the late 1960s.
Just a year after the opening of the Conservatoire of Music, the Blackheath School of Art moved into its premises. The Art Building is a beautiful space. It takes full advantage of the northern light. It is one of the only remaining Victorian art studios in the country.
Painting, Illustration, Woodcarving and Pottery were taught at the school. Textile Design, Silversmithing and Commercial Design were also on offer.
John Howard Hale initiated art therapy classes in 1918. These classes were for returning soldiers from World War I. He recognized the potential of craft to hasten recovery.
The London County Council decided to close the Blackheath School of Art in 1940. The school merged with Goldsmiths. The Ministry of Defence Pay Corps took over the art building.
The Blackheath School of Art re-opened in 1983. It continued independently until the early 1990s. Due to financial problems it merged to become a part of the Blackheath Conservatoire of Music and the Arts.
Douglas Percy Bliss taught wood engraving. Charles Paine taught commercial art. John Edgar Platt brought the school to prominence. He enabled prominent exhibitions and respected speakers to lecture the students.
Finances had been tight for a long time. In 2013 there was a large-scale public campaign to save the Conservatoire from closure. Thanks to the community it was saved.
Visitors can enjoy musical sculptural installations. There is also the floral piano on the front lawn. The Blackheath Halls continues to deliver high-quality accessible arts.