![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Acme-Co-Founder-and-Chair-of-the-Board-David-Panton-in-front-of-Acme-Propeller-Factory-January-2026-.jpeg\")
Acme Co-Founder and Chair of the Board David Panton in front of Acme Propeller Factory, January 2026 \u00a9 Hydar Dewachi, courtesy of The Acme Archive<\/p>\nAcme Co-Founder and Chair of the Board David Panton in front of Acme Propeller Factory, January 2026 \u00a9 Hydar Dewachi, courtesy of The Acme Archive<\/p>\n
London-based charity Acme<\/a> has secured the future of one of the capital\u2019s most important artist workspaces after successfully purchasing Acme Propeller Factory in Deptford<\/a>, safeguarding the building in perpetuity as London\u2019s largest affordable studio complex.<\/p>\n The former 1920s ship propeller foundry spans more than 70,000 square feet and is home to 180 working artists, offering long-term stability in a city where affordable creative space is increasingly under threat. Over the past 35 years, more than 650 artists have worked in the building, making it a cornerstone of Lewisham\u2019s cultural life and one of London\u2019s most significant hubs for artistic production.<\/p>\n The acquisition concludes a two-year public campaign to protect the site, following an Acme survey revealing that 58.5% of resident artists would have been unable to continue their practice if the building had been lost. Alongside studios, the building also houses the Acme Archive and a public engagement hub supporting workshops, exhibitions and events.<\/p>\n The purchase was made possible through major support from The Julia Rausing Trust<\/a>, Garfield Weston Foundation, Sylvia Waddilove Foundation UK and the Mayor of London, as well as bank financing and contributions from artists and the local community. The building sits within the Mayor\u2019s Lewisham Creative Enterprise Zone, recognising its cultural and economic importance to the area.<\/p>\n The milestone coincides with David Panton OBE stepping back from his executive role after more than five decades leading Acme, continuing instead as Chair of the Board. Co-founded in 1972 with the late Jonathan Harvey OBE, Acme has been instrumental in transforming derelict buildings into permanent, affordable spaces for artists, pioneering the use of Section 106 planning agreements to embed studio provision into London\u2019s regeneration framework.<\/p>\n Dame Rachel Whiteread, a former Acme studio holder, called the Propeller Factory \u201ca cultural hub for 180 artists\u201d and \u201cthe UK\u2019s biggest building dedicated solely to artists\u2019 studios,\u201d describing Acme as \u201ca lifeline to creatives in London.\u201d<\/p>\n With more than 1,300 artists currently on Acme\u2019s waiting list, including over 100 Lewisham residents, the acquisition strengthens the charity\u2019s ability to offer long-term, genuinely affordable workspace for future generations. Acme will now focus on improving accessibility, conserving the building\u2019s heritage and reducing its environmental impact \u2014 ensuring that this vital piece of London\u2019s creative infrastructure continues to thrive.<\/p>\n About<\/p>\n London-based charity Acme has been supporting artists in need since 1972. Over this time, we have provided thousands of artists at all stages of career with affordable studios, work\/live space and a programme of artist support through residencies and awards. We support the development and production of art by reducing the practical challenges that artists face, increasing their ability to take creative risks. Acme is the single largest provider of permanent affordable artist studios in England, supporting over 800 individual artists across 15 buildings in Greater London each year. @acme.art<\/a><\/p>\n CategoriesTagsAuthor Mark Westall<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Mark Westall is the Founder and Editor of FAD magazine –<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1768512794_154_51a5f4f70d4a7d922b41813aec70fa836549efb4017a2b83daaeb0139e68ad2a.png\")
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