Brixton Culture Capital | 07.11.2024
The BCC List: Brixton’s Best-Kept Secrets
The Hidden Stories of Van Gogh’s Year in Brixton
Did you know Vincent van Gogh once called Brixton home? Before he became one of history’s most celebrated painters, Van Gogh spent a formative year here in 1873. At just 20 years old, he rented a room at 87 Hackford Road, where he worked as a young art dealer and began nurturing his fascination with the ordinary people and vibrant life of South London.
This Brixton residence held many quiet stories that would later influence Van Gogh’s famous empathy-driven art style. He fell in love with his landlady’s daughter, Eugenie Loyer, a bittersweet experience that inspired some of his later work. While his romantic aspirations were short-lived, his connection to the community impacted his perspective, which he would carry into his artistic career.
Today, 87 Hackford Road remains a modest but powerful tribute to Van Gogh’s legacy. Restored with careful attention to its 19th-century character, the house offers visitors a unique experience to explore a side of Van Gogh rarely highlighted. It’s not only a preserved historical site but also an art space, featuring exhibitions that explore his early life, influences, and time in Brixton.
Van Gogh’s story reminds us of the vibrant cultural roots embedded in Brixton’s history. For both locals and visitors, 87 Hackford Road is a hidden gem, offering a glimpse into how our community shaped and was shaped by an artist whose works continue to inspire the world.
If you’re curious to see Brixton’s role in Van Gogh’s journey, a visit to this unassuming house on Hackford Road is a must. Explore the quiet stories of a young artist in love with life, culture, and community.
What’s new in Brixton? ⚡
Us Brixtonians are movers and shakers.
Nothing stays the same for long around here. We’re always rocketing, innovating, and bringing new and exciting ideas to the historic streets of Brixton. Here’s what’s up and coming in Brixton.
2 Nigerian Boys: Brand new from Lagos with love. Head to Market Row to sample some delicious Nigerian food at 2 Nigerian Boys. The Jollof Rice is already legendary.
Marks & Spencer: It’s FINALLY happening! The brand new M&S food hall on Brixton Road will open at 8 am on Wednesday, 20th November. Run, don’t walk!
Windrush Square Toilets: The Windrush Square toilets are up to let. The council are open to proposals including retail, café, restaurant, bar, gallery, and shared workspace.
Brand New Beer: Volcano Coffee Works and Brixton Brewery have collaborated to create a bold and rich cortado stout, Ground Control. It sounds YUMMY.
Brixton station mural: A mural by Turner prize nominee Claudette Johnson has been unveiled at Brixton Underground station. Check it out — it’s gorgeous.
CULTURE AND EVENTS
Tortured Soul Live at Hootenanny Brixton
Date: 8th November
Don’t miss this rare show from TSl! This is a 100% live modern, deep, soulful, house music freed from the DJ Booth. Get down to Hootenanny and enjoy!
Art For You! 'Brixton's free art fair'
Date: 10th November
Good art doesn’t need to break the bank. The Art For you fair is a dynamic selection of new and pre-owned art from Brixton, London and international emerging and outsider artists. Find your favourite at Willington Road Youth & Community Centre.
Fly Kid Family Rave at Pop Brixton
Date: 10th November
Who said having kids meant the end of your raving days? Round up the family and head down to Pop Brixton for dancing, face painting, confetti, games and more.
Black Girl, No Magic with Kimberly McIntosh and Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP at Brixton Library
Date: 7th November
Join writer and researcher Kimberly McIntosh and Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP at Brixton Library to discuss Black Girl, No Magic — a reflection on race and respectability.
Saturday Brixton Volleyball Social Games
Date: 9th November
Get moving at this casual friendly and social badminton session in Ark Evelyn Grace Academy, run by Proud Sports CIC. It’s ticketed, so make sure you’ve got yours!
Disco Down Under at Brixton Jamm
Date: 2nd November
Catch the rugby at one of Brixton’s many pubs and then head to Brixton Jamm to celebrate the game in style with music, great drinks, and electric vibes.
The Ultimate Doctor Who Quiz
Date: 8th November
Calling all Whovians! Do you know everything there is to know about Dr Who? Prove your knowledge at this fun-filled trivia night at Market House, Brixton.
TheBccList Film Guide: Must watch films at Ritzy Cinema
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story: A documentary about the actor who gave us the definitive Superman. After becoming a quadriplegic, he became a charismatic leader and activist in the quest to find a cure for spinal cord injuries
Piece By Piece: An fun motion picture experience that captures the magic and brilliance of Pharrell Williams’ creative genius, one LEGO® brick at a time.
Anora: A young sex worker from Brooklyn, sees her world change when she meets – and impulsively marries – Vanya, the impetuous son of a billionaire oligarch who offers her a glamorous new life.
Bird: Bailey lives with her brother Hunter and her father Bug, who raises them alone in a squat in northern Kent. Bug doesn’t have much time to give, so Bailey looks for attention and adventure elsewhere.
Paddington In Peru: Everyone’s favourite bear heads home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears.
For tickets and more information, visit The Ritzy Picturehouse.
WEAR YOUR CULTURE CAPITAL
Exciting news, Brixtonians. We’re launching a referral scheme where you can win a hoodie, tote bag or t-shirt by telling your friends to sign up for TheBccList newsletter. Watch for more details, and hit the button below to start building up your points. There’s also a day pass from our partners at Impact Brixton up for grabs!
BRIXTON DISCOUNTS
Every week, we onboard a new local restaurants, bars, and other establishments that join the movement and offer our readers something special. Click here to see the full list of discounts you can use at your favourite Brixton spots, including from MEZZA ME, EN ROOT, MAMALAN, CLOVER’S and more.
LET’S PARTNER
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