The National Gallery has transformed Croydon into an open-air gallery, with world-famous artworks appearing in unexpected locations across the South London borough. From Van Gogh's Sunflowers strapped to park railings to Turner's majestic seascapes displayed outside colleges, this ambitious exhibition brings art directly to the people.
Art Beyond Museum Walls
Croydon has become the first London location to host The National Gallery's innovative 'Art On Your Doorstep' programme, a nationwide initiative bringing art to twelve communities across the UK. Running from February 3 until July 5, this free exhibition places thirty meticulously reproduced masterpieces in everyday street locations, from park fences to shopping centre walls.
The selection process involved local community groups, ensuring the displayed artworks resonate with Croydon residents. Each reproduction appears at its original size, allowing viewers to appreciate fine details, brush strokes, and composition that would normally require museum visits.
Featured Artists and Locations
The exhibition showcases works spanning centuries of art history, including pieces by Monet, Picasso, Caravaggio, Renoir, Stubbs, Turner, and Van Eyck. These masterpieces appear across multiple locations including Park Hill Park, Queen's Gardens, Whitgift Centre, Croydon Minster, and Coulsdon College.
Notable installations include Van Gogh's Sunflowers at Park Hill Park railings, Henri Rousseau's Surprised! at the Whitgift Centre, and J.M.W. Turner's The Fighting Temeraire outside Coulsdon Sixth Form College. The full exhibition spans twenty-eight locations across the borough, encouraging exploration of both art and local landmarks.
Community Engagement and Workshops
Visual artist Rachel Gadsden leads a comprehensive programme of engagement workshops alongside the outdoor exhibition. These sessions encourage residents of all ages and backgrounds to create their own artwork in response to the displayed masterpieces, using materials ranging from oil pastels to charcoal.
"What I really love is that these paintings are being brought to the people," Gadsden told the Local Democracy Reporting Service. "If you're living on a very tight budget, the cost of going up to town for the day can be really tricky for families."
The Croydon Masterpiece Project
More than one hundred artworks created during these workshops will be incorporated into a series of four large-scale pieces titled The Croydon Masterpiece. Gadsden emphasises the collaborative nature of this project, explaining that participants' actual artworks will become integral components of the final pieces.
"It is very much a collaborative, socially engaged project," she said. "I don't actually know what the end result will be." The final work may incorporate elements of Croydon's skyline, including the iconic Croydon Clocktower, alongside religious motifs from participating church groups.
Breaking Down Barriers to Art
Gadsden, who identifies as disabled, highlights how physical and economic barriers prevent many people from engaging with traditional gallery spaces. "The big issues are having access to transport to get to the galleries, and once you are there you can still feel that the space doesn't accommodate you," she explained, noting even basic facilities like bathrooms often lack proper accessibility.
The exhibition and accompanying workshops specifically address these barriers by bringing art directly to communities and ensuring inclusive participation opportunities. Special sessions include a Sip & Draw event where participants can contribute artwork while enjoying alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.
Educational Partnerships
Local educational institutions have played significant roles in shaping the exhibition. Coulsdon Sixth Form College has particularly embraced the project, with Deputy Head of Learning Neal Vaughan noting: "Our students have hugely benefited from the workshops run by Croydon Council that led to this."
Turner's work displayed outside the college building reflects what Vaughan describes as "the positive connections art can have on our community." Schools and colleges across Croydon have been involved in both selecting artworks and planning accompanying activities.
Building on Existing Partnerships
This project represents the third collaboration between Croydon Council and The National Gallery, building on a relationship that includes Croydon's year as London Borough of Culture in 2023. Programme Director Caterina Loriggio explained: "Our long-standing relationship with The National Gallery meant there was already a strong foundation to build on."
Executive Mayor of Croydon Jason Perry added: "Bringing world-class art into our parks, streets and public spaces reflects our commitment to accessible cultural experiences for all our communities." He emphasised how the programme celebrates Croydon's imagination, talent, and diversity while supporting the borough's vision for a vibrant town centre.
Spring and Summer Programme
The exhibition forms part of a broader cultural programme continuing throughout spring and summer. Additional events include guided walks, in-depth talks exploring individual artworks, International Women's Day celebrations, and activities inspired by specific pieces like Henri Rousseau's Surprised!.
This initiative demonstrates how major cultural institutions can successfully engage communities beyond traditional gallery settings, making art accessible to those who might otherwise never encounter these masterpieces in person.
