Local historian Steve Grindlay gives a fascinating talk on the great arts heritage of Sydenham.

From the 1850s Crystal Palace was the major centre for musical performances in Britain, perhaps Europe, largely due to Sir George Grove, organiser of the concerts. He lived in Sydenham for 45 years and attracted a circle of like-minded people, referred to as “The Sydenham Set”. However, it was not just musicians and composers who came to the area; poets, artists, authors and actors also settled here. The image above shows St Bartholomew’s Church, painted by the Impressionist artist Camille Pissarro, who lived in Sydenham.

Sponsored by Kirkdale Bookshop

See us on