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This small gallery houses historic
and modern artworks and temporary shows of contemporary art.
The South London Gallery was
founded as a cultural development of the South London Working
Men's College, which opened at 91 Blackfriars Road in 1868.
Its manager was the philanthropist William Rossiter and its
Principal, Professor T.H. Huxley, grandfather of novelist
Aldous Huxley.
When the college moved into larger
premises ten years later, the first free library in South
London was opened on the site. In 1878 the college held
an exhibition of pictures lent by private supporters and this
became a permanent institution.
With the support of leading artists
such as Sir Frederick Leighton and Edward Burne-Jones, Rossiter
purchased the site of the present gallery in Peckham Road
in 1889. The gallery, which opened in 1891, features
a superb marquetry floor, made to a design by the illustrator,
Walter Crane.
Sir Frederick Leighton, who donated
41 works to the gallery's collection, gave many more over
the years. He contributed time and finance and on his
death in 1896 the gallery was known as the Lord Leighton Memorial.
From its first opening to its
closure during World War II, the gallery has housed exhibitions
of fine and applied art. Following its re-opening in
1949 the gallery continued its programme of displaying British
artists but its permanent collection was held in store.
Since 1992 the gallery has concentrated
on shows highlighting international contemporary trends.
Exhibitions have included the works of Tracey Emin and Gilbert
and George.
The gallery's permanent collection,
which includes works by Ruskin, Leighton, Sickert, Millais
and Stanley Spencer, can be viewed by appointment.
Admission free
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