ABOUT FAIRKYTES ARTS CENTRE

A Brief History of Fairkytes

Grade II listed, Fairkytes was once a private house originally built in the mid-18th century. Several later additions to the property were made up to the end of the 19th century. Previous occupants include Job Alibone, Joseph Fry (son of Quaker and prison reformer Elizabeth Fry) and Thomas Wedlake, who owned the Iron Foundry which stood opposite. Hornchurch Urban District Council bought the house in the 1950s and used it as the local library.

Fairkytes became the London Borough of Havering’s Arts Centre in 1973 when the library moved to a purpose built building in North Street. Over time the centre has grown considerably, incorporating the Annexe building at the rear in 1992, the Billet building next door in 2001 and Fry’s Gallery, the former Citizens Advice Bureau office, in 2018.

General Information

Fairkytes is managed by the London Borough of Havering’s Arts Team, part of the Culture, Customer and Communications section.

w Around 80 different clubs, societies and enthusiast groups meet at Fairkytes every week, daytimes and evenings. See the relevant section in this booklet or ask us for contact details.

w Fairkytes is available to hire for cultural activities, meetings, fund raising events, parties and functions. We offer simple, adaptable spaces in a range of sizes with reasonable rents (see the ‘Room Hire’ section for prices, or contact us for more information).

w Fairkytes hosts occasional events, demonstrations and activities. Contact us for details.