An Artist’s Guide to 9 of the Best Art Shops in London (2025)
This article compiles all the art shops I have personally visited in London. If you’re more of a visual person, watch the 2 videos below!
I’m an art shops junkie. That’s it, things what needed to be said were said.
And if you’re here, you probably are too.
London is home to some of the best art supply shops in the world, each with its own personality, specialty, and quirks. Whether you’re after high-quality fine art materials, rare pigments, niche stationery, or a cat-owned art shop (yes, really), this city has it all.
Over the past few trips, I’ve explored some of London’s most iconic and hidden art supply stores, and here’s my guide to the best ones in 2025.
Welcome to Pawshire, I’m Tich the artist and creator behind Pawshire.
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Green & Stone
Green & Stone: A Posh but Surprisingly Friendly Art Store in Chelsea
Located in the refined Chelsea district, Green & Stone is an art shop that blends old-school elegance with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Established in 1927, the store has been serving fine artists, hobbyists, and collectors for nearly a century. It may not be the biggest art shop in London, but it makes up for it with a carefully curated selection of high-quality art materials, painting and drawing papers, elegant stationery, and even a charming little gallery space.
What’s It Like Inside Green & Stone?
Walking into Green & Stone, I braced myself for that intimidating art-gallery-in-Chelsea kind of vibe, expecting a silent, watchful staff and a slightly posh atmosphere. Turns out, I was completely wrong. The staff was hands-down the friendliest of all the art stores I visited in London!
This was also where I had my first encounter with the legendary Sennelier oil pastels. I hesitated to touch them at first—pristine, untouched art supplies make me feel like I should not be the one to ruin their perfection (also, I was filming and trying to act natural, which is not my forte). But one of the staff members encouraged me to try them out as much as I wanted. That was my kind of art store.
Why Visit Green & Stone?
Green & Stone is well-known for its custom framing services, so if you’re looking for high-quality frames or expert advice, this is the place to go. Beyond that, it’s a solid stop for fine artists who want a carefully curated selection of art supplies without the overwhelming experience of a massive store.
While it’s located a little further from London’s central shopping areas, that actually adds to the charm. The quieter, more refined neighborhood makes for a pleasant visit, and honestly, it was refreshing to explore a different side of London that I might not have visited otherwise. If you’re in the area and love beautiful art materials, Green & Stone is absolutely worth a stop.
L. Cornelissen & Son
L. Cornelissen & Son: The Oldest Art Shop in London (1855)
Nestled in the heart of Soho, L. Cornelissen & Son is London’s oldest surviving art shop, established in 1855. This historic shop has been serving artists, calligraphers, and pigment enthusiasts for over a century and a half, and it still maintains its old-world charm. The shop’s wooden shelves, vintage apothecary-style drawers, and rows of glass jars filled with powdered pigments make it feel like a treasure trove of traditional art supplies.
That said, the store isn't in its original location. It moved from its first site in High Holborn, but the spirit of the shop remains unchanged.
What Is It Like Inside L. Cornelissen & Son?
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, walking into Cornelissen feels like stepping into a miniature Hogwarts for artists. The dark wood, the neatly labeled jars, the strange and wonderful materials—it’s all very Diagon Alley, but for paint-making nerds.
Some supplies genuinely intrigued me, like a ridiculously thin pencil that I still don’t quite understand the use for (if you want to see it, you’ll have to watch my video—yes, this is a trap!).
Cornelissen is famous for its medieval-style inks and pigment collection, making it a paradise for those who love historical art techniques. Whether you need a £1 oak gall for ink-making, a dose of rabbit glue to prepare your own gesso, or a £16.95 brush cleaner, they have it all.
What Can You Find at L. Cornelissen & Son?
In addition to traditional materials, Cornelissen stocks a selection of fine art supplies, including Schmincke Artist Gouache and Winsor & Newton paints. Personally, I found the gouache selection a bit underwhelming (was I getting cranky and dramatic at this point? Maybe), but if you’re into rare pigments and handcrafted supplies, this shop is a must-visit.
Why Visit L. Cornelissen & Son?
If you love historic art materials, unique calligraphy tools, and an old-world shopping experience, Cornelissen is one of the most magical art shops you’ll find in London. Even if you don’t plan on making your own ink or preparing rabbit-skin glue, just being in the space feels special.
Whether you’re an artist, a collector, or just someone who enjoys beautiful, timeless art supplies, Cornelissen is absolutely worth a stop.
Russell & Chapple
Russell & Chapple: The Go-To Art Shop for Canvas and Textiles
Located in Bloomsbury, Russell & Chapple is London’s oldest supplier of fine art textiles, serving artists since 1770. This shop is where tradition meets craftsmanship—if you’re serious about canvas, stretcher frames, or artists' panels, this is your place.
While they do carry renowned art supply brands, their true specialty lies in made-to-measure textiles, offering a range of hand-stretched canvases, raw linen, and primed surfaces to suit different painting techniques. They also have an extensive collection of solvents, varnishes, and other painting necessities for artists looking for precise control over their materials.
What Is It Like Inside Russell & Chapple?
If I were to phrase it like a Gen Z (which I am not, and please don’t ask me my age), I did not exactly vibe with this shop.
That said, this is THE shop for painting canvas. No question about it.
Have you heard of Double French Oil Primed Linen? Or maybe Belgian Medium Double Oil Primed Linen?
If you just nodded in excitement, congratulations—you need to visit Russell & Chapple. I, on the other hand, had no idea there were so many types of canvas. But then, it all made sense. Why wouldn’t there be different varieties? We have endless types of paper, so it’s only logical that canvas, which has been around longer than paper, has its own extensive selection.
I walked out of Russell & Chapple feeling slightly less dumb about canvas. Growth.
Why Visit Russell & Chapple?
If you’re an oil painter, mixed-media artist, or someone who loves experimenting with different painting surfaces, Russell & Chapple is a must-visit. Their selection of artist-grade textiles and painting surfaces is unmatched in London, and if you’re particular about custom canvas sizes and finishes, this is one of the few places that offers such a tailored experience.
Even if you’re not a canvas connoisseur, visiting a shop with over 250 years of history in fine art textiles is a cool experience in itself. Just don’t expect me to explain the difference between Belgian Medium and Double French Oil Primed Linen—I’m still recovering from the information overload.
London Graphic Centre
London Graphic Centre: A One-Stop Art Shop with Everything for Everyone
Located near Covent Garden, London Graphic Centre is a spacious, multifunctional art shop that caters to a broad audience—from students and hobbyists to professional designers and illustrators. Spanning two floors, the shop offers a well-curated selection of stationery, sketchbooks, and fine art supplies, making it an ideal one-stop destination for anyone looking to stock up on essentials.
What Is It Like Inside London Graphic Centre?
The ground floor is where you’ll find a wide array of notebooks, sketching papers, and stationery from popular brands like Moleskine and Leuchtturm, as well as adorable stationery from Taiwan and Japan. I was this close to going on a stationery shopping spree but kept my greed under control, knowing I’d be back in Japan soon enough.
The second floor is where the fine art supplies are. Whether you’re a student, graphic designer, or hobbyist, you’ll find the essentials here. It’s a generalist art shop, but it’s well-stocked and practical.
Art Supplies Shopping Experience at London Graphic Centre
Here’s something fun—when I went to the cashier, a young staff member took one look at me and asked, "You’re half Asian, right?!"
I immediately dropped my introverted façade.
"Oh my god! Yes! You are too, right?!"
Of course, he was. He was half-Japanese, and we instantly bonded over the classic “none of the countries our genes come from consider us from there” conversation. It was nice meeting someone who just gets it.
Anecdote aside, London Graphic Centre felt very generalist—which isn’t a bad thing. As an artist, I wasn’t overly excited about the selection, but as a professional graphic designer, I was thrilled.
This shop is amazing for designers, with all the graphic notebooks, layout pads, and technical drawing supplies you could need. Plus, the cute Asian stationery was a huge win.
Why Visit London Graphic Centre?
If you’re a graphic designer, illustrator, or student looking for essential supplies, this place is great. They offer regular discounts on everyday art materials like sketching paper, pencils, and other must-haves, making it an affordable and convenient choice.
That said, if you’re an artist looking for a more unique or specialized selection, shops like Green & Stone or L. Cornelissen & Son might feel more inspiring. London Graphic Centre is practical, and the Asian stationery section may make your heart skip a beat.
Atlantis Art Materials
Atlantis Art Materials: Secretly Cat-Owned Store (Nobody Will Tell Me Otherwise)
Located in the artistic enclave of Hackney, Atlantis Art Materials stands out with its edgy, urban vibe and—most importantly—its enigmatic black cat owner.
This independent art shop has an industrial, warehouse-like atmosphere and stocks an impressive range of brushes, easels, paints, and papers. Atlantis is particularly known for its own-brand craft paper, and while it’s a little far from central London, let’s be honest—if there’s a cat, I’ll travel.
What Is It Like Inside Atlantis Art Materials?
If I recall correctly, this was the most expensive art shop out of all the ones I visited in London. Given its off-centre location and young creative audience, I wasn’t expecting that.
But let’s be real—I wasn’t here for the prices. I was here for the cat.
We played a little game of hide-and-seek (or at least, I did). The cat, in true feline fashion, couldn’t care less about me.
Fulfilling.
Why Visit Atlantis Art Materials?
For the cat, to state the obvious.
Otherwise, Atlantis Art Materials had Daler-Rowney gouache, which I rarely find. I had never tried Daler-Rowney’s gouache before, only their watercolour paper. So I wouldn’t have been that excited if the colour selection had been basic. Luckily, it wasn’t. Their range of grey tones caught my eye immediately. Of course, I bought a few to try.
Priorities.
Cass Art Islington
Cass Art Islington: The Art Shop That Stole My Heart (But Not My Gouache)
Located in Islington (which I kept pronouncing “eye-lington” in my video, only to later find out it’s just “eass”-lington—seriously, people mock French vowels, but at least they’re predictable!), Cass Art Islington is a beautifully designed three-story art shop that immediately stands out.
Its expansive greenhouse-style architecture, flooded with natural light, makes it one of the most aesthetically pleasing art shops I’ve ever visited.
What is it like inside Cass Art Islington?
Unlike some of the other Cass Art branches, this location feels spacious, airy, and comfortable—almost like an art gallery where you’re encouraged to browse and take your time.
Beyond its impressive selection of fine art supplies, sketchbooks, and watercolour papers (including adorable postcard-format ones!), Cass Art Islington also hosts workshops for children and showcases exhibitions by local artists on the ground floor.
I appreciated how it felt like more than just a shop—it had a real community-driven atmosphere.
Why visit Cass Art Islington?
I loved everything about this shop—the interior design, the inspiring layout, and the great selection of art supplies. If I could, I’d camp there just to go through everything.
That said, their gouache section was underwhelming. Again.
I was about to lose all hope until I found Daler-Rowney Designer Gouache at Atlantis later that day. That helped. A little.
4o
Stuart R. Stevenson
Stuart R. Stevenson Art shop
This art shop unfortunately 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.
Jackson’s Art
Jackson’s Art: The Best Art Shop in London (And Online Too!)
Located in Stoke Newington, Jackson’s Art is easily the most comprehensive art shop on this list. Beyond its physical location, their online store is an absolute goldmine, offering a massive selection of fine art materials, tools, and specialty supplies.
Whether you're looking for paints, brushes, canvases, or niche paper brands, Jackson’s has it. They also stock some of the best imported art supplies from Japan and Italy, making it a must-visit for artists who want quality and variety in one place.
What is it like inside Jackson’s Art?
The store itself is stunning—a mix between an urban loft and a cozy studio, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a dream workspace.
Their selection is outstanding. From Holbein and Turner gouache in every colour (my absolute favourite) to Magnani 1404, the prestigious Italian paper brand, this shop is a treasure trove for serious artists.
They also carry all the staple brands, including Winsor & Newton, Schmincke, Golden, and Daniel Smith, plus every tool and piece of equipment imaginable—whether you're a painter, illustrator, printmaker, or mixed-media artist.
Why visit Jackson’s Art?
If you want the ultimate art supply shopping experience, Jackson’s is the place to go.
Not only do they stock nearly everything an artist could dream of, but their beautiful, well-organized space makes browsing a pleasure.
And if you can’t visit in person? Their online store is just as good. It’s one of the best places to find rare and international brands in the UK, and they deliver worldwide.
Truly, Jackson’s Art is in a league of its own.
Lavender Hill Colours
Lavender Hill Colours: A Hidden Atelier for Oil Painters and Sculptors
Tucked away in Battersea, Lavender Hill Colours feels like a secret club for serious painters. Specialising in oil painting and sculpture, this shop is part art supply store, part workshop space, and part artist haven.
It’s a little tricky to find, but if you ask the guard to open the door, you’ll be just fine. Trust me, it’s worth it.
What is it like inside Lavender Hill Colours?
Walking in, I instantly felt like I was back in art school. It is the kind of place where people are actually doing the work, where paints and brushes aren't just displayed but truly lived with.
The shop has a dark-academia atmosphere, thanks to its atelier mezzanine that looms over the store, creating a cozy, intimate feel. But what truly made the space for me?
The floor-to-ceiling turquoise velvet curtain, dramatic, bold, and oddly inspiring.
There’s coffee. Enough said.
The owners love dogs. Bonus points.
The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. They’ll chat with you about paints, techniques, or whatever artistic crisis you’re currently having.
Why visit Lavender Hill Colours?
If you’re an oil painter or sculptor, this place is a must-visit. They have a great selection of pigments, mediums, and tools, plus painting workshops that run in their upstairs atelier.
It’s not a big store, nor is it flashy, but it has charm, knowledge, and a real sense of community. And honestly, that’s sometimes better than a giant warehouse filled with endless choices.
If a store has good coffee, dogs, and a velvet curtain, I am automatically sold.
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Download the bundle
Choosing Keeping Stationery Shop
Choosing Keeping: The Most Elegant (& Priciest) Stationery Store in London
Just a short walk from London Graphic Centre, Choosing Keeping is a stationery shop that feels straight out of a Victorian dream. Specialising in fine paper, Japanese stationery, and high-end art supplies, this shop is where aesthetics meet craftsmanship.
Every item in the store feels meticulously curated, from handmade pastels and watercolours sourced from both the UK and Japan to exquisite gift wrapping, food-themed candles, and luxurious writing tools. If you’re into beautifully made objects, this place will ruin your self-control.
What is it like inside Choosing Keeping?
Imagine stepping into a Victorian-style boutique where everything looks too pretty to use. The store’s interior is elegant and intimate, with soft lighting that makes every item feel like a treasure waiting to be discovered.
The fine art section carries handmade pastels, niche watercolour brands, and a thoughtful selection of materials for artists who appreciate quality over quantity.
The stationery collection is filled with unique finds, from Japanese notebooks to stunningly crafted fountain pens.
The gift section is a dangerously tempting mix of beautifully wrapped sets, food-themed candles, and yes, £65 scented notebooks. Because why not?
Why visit Choosing Keeping?
This is not your everyday art supply store. It’s a place for collectors, gift shoppers, and lovers of fine stationery. Everything is exceptional in quality, but that also means exceptional in price.
If you’re looking for fancy paper, unique gifts, or simply an indulgent browsing experience, Choosing Keeping is worth the visit. Just be warned—you might walk in thinking you’ll "just have a look" and leave justifying why a scented notebook was an essential purchase.
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.
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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