‘Hoxton is no longer a place for artists’ – Paintworks art supplies shop to close after 31 years

Calling it a day: Paintworks is holding a final exhibition, The Last Picture Show

Hoxton staple Paintworks is set to close at the end of July after supplying local artists with materials for 31 years.

Based on the Kingsland Road, the shop is staffed by artists from the area and has seen some of the best known names in international art pass through its doors.

Its final exhibition, The Last Picture Show, opens today and runs until 16 July. Art by manager Dorothy Wood, her business partner Roy Willingham and current employees will be on display.

Dorothy told the Hackney Citizen that the shop’s owners had decided it was the right time to call it a day with the shop.

“The area has changed and my customers have been priced out,” she said.

“If we were to remain open, we would need to move – there aren’t any artists left here. When the Cremer Street studios closed 150 artists were forced out the area, and Hackney Community College has stopped teaching art classes.

“We waited for the new railway for 20 years, but it’s brought nothing but rising prices. It’s great that you can buy ten different types of coffee round here – but it’s no longer a place for artists,” she added.