Our theme of sketching is regeneration.
We have chosen Woolwich Arsenal as our base for the day.
Saxony demi cannon in front of the Royal Brass Foundry
by Margaret Gorman
Hosts for the day are Margaret Gorman and John Swanson
This is on top of the changes already in play, from the development of Woolwich Arsenal and the upcoming opening of the Elizabeth line, the new railway that will pass through central London from Reading in the west, to Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east.
As of September 2021, five heritage industrial buildings on the Royal Arsenal have been redeveloped as part of the new performing arts hub Woolwich Works.
All sketches by Margaret Gorman
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| The old garrison church gate |
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| Old Town Hall |
Getting there
Situated on the riverside with already excellent transportation links,
Woolwich is easier to reach than you think. The current station for Woolwich
Arsenal is on the DLR, and then trains departing from Waterloo and London
Bridge. It can also be reached via bus from North Greenwich on the Jubilee
Line.
And for those who might want to enjoy extra sketching opportunities, the
clipper service ends at Woolwich pier and takes you past all the landmarks
along the shores of the Thames. It’s more costly than the other forms of
public transport and moves quickly, but on a sunny day it’s a great way to get
out there.
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| The Royal Brass Foundry |
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| The Grand Store |
Food and drink
Food and drink are available in the cafes, pubs and food trucks both in the
town centre and across the street in the Arsenal. Public toilets can be found
on Beresford Square as well as the cafes.
In case of rain, cover can be found in the nearby cafes and among the buildings. There are some good views of the town from the library, which will be open. For river views, the café at The Yoga Space has space, good coffee and treats.
Other than public transport, there will be no costs for the day.
In case of rain, cover can be found in the nearby cafes and among the buildings. There are some good views of the town from the library, which will be open. For river views, the café at The Yoga Space has space, good coffee and treats.
Other than public transport, there will be no costs for the day.
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| On the Thames path |
Plan for the day
11 am
We'll meet at the sculpture “Assembly” by Peter Burke on the Royal Arsenal near the pier. It's an eye-catching installation of
sixteen life-sized cast iron figures. If you come via the bus or the DLR,
cross the street to the riverside and follow the signs to the pier and you
won’t miss it.
1 pm Throwdown
Meet at the entrance of the new Elizabeth line rail station at the Arsenal (will be covered during rain) to share the work for the day.3 pm Throwdown
Meet in Beresford Square. We will try and find a spot out of the rain if
it’s wet outside.
For anyone who wants to catch up at the end of the day before heading
home, we've booked some space for drinks at the Dial Arch, a restored 18th-century armoury.
More information
The Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust has published 'Woolwich History Walks' with simple illustrated maps of two walking trails that cover the Royal Arsenal and wider Woolwich. There's also a Royal Arsenal TimelineThis is the list of all of the developments in Woolwich:
Royal Arsenal – adding 5,000 new homes to the area
Woolwich Works – new creative quarter
Elizabeth line – part of the new railway by Crossrail Ltd.
Beresford Street crossing & junction improvement – connecting the town to the Arsenal
Woolwich Leisure Centre – new community centre
Spray Street – Another 650 homes plus new retail and public spaces
Woolwich Estates – regeneration of Connaught, Morris Walk, Maryon Road and Grove Estates
And for news of development and debates on housing, transport and retail across southeast London, there's a local blog From the Murky Depths.
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