Artists at Home has been part of the rhythm of West London since 1973.
Each June, artists across Chiswick, Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush open their homes and studios to the public, inviting visitors to step into the spaces where the work is made.
At Horton and Garton we have been long-standing sponsors of Artists at Home.
It is an event we care about because it reflects what makes our part of West London distinctive: a community of artists, makers and neighbours who choose to live and work here, and who shape the cultural character of the area year after year.
Ahead of the 2026 event we sat down with Kathryn Davey, chair of Artists at Home and an abstract oil painter based in Chiswick, to talk about the history of the event, the community behind it and what visitors can expect this June.
Fifty years of Artists at Home in West London
Artists at Home began in 1973. What do you think has allowed it to endure for more than fifty years?
I think the biggest reason is that people genuinely love the event and keep coming back. Visitors return year after year, and many of them bring friends or family with them.
There’s a sense of familiarity about it now. It has become part of the rhythm of West London.
At the same time, the work is always changing. Artists are constantly developing their ideas, exploring new materials or shifting their style, so there is always something different to see.
It’s quite an incredible thing really. Even after more than fifty years, people are still discovering it for the first time and returning the following year.
Why Chiswick, Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush continue to attract artists
This part of London is a very inspiring place to work.
You have access to everything the city offers in terms of culture. Galleries, exhibitions and performances are all close by, and that keeps artists motivated and curious.
At the same time, West London has a calmness to it. The river, the green spaces and the architecture all contribute to that sense of balance.
There is also a strong local community. Many artists know each other, share ideas and encourage one another.
We often have small groups of artists within different areas who support each other creatively. That sense of community plays a big role in sustaining artists here.
Why homes and studios bring you closer to the work
It creates a more personal connection. When you visit an artist’s home or studio, you’re meeting the person who made the work.
You can talk to them about what inspired it, how long it took to create and what materials they used. Sometimes you can even see the tools they work with or watch them creating something in real time.
In a gallery, you often don’t have that level of connection. The experience here is more relaxed and open.
People can ask questions, take their time and return later if they want to. It makes the relationship with the artwork feel much more direct.
What to expect at Artists at Home 2026 in June
Visitors are welcomed into artists’ homes and studios across the area. Before the weekend, people can look at the artists on the website and choose the ones they would like to visit.
There is also a booklet with a map so visitors can plan their route and move between different locations.
You might arrive at a studio and find the artist there to talk about their work. Some offer refreshments and it’s generally a very friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
You’ll see a wide variety of art, meet lots of different people and explore parts of the neighbourhood you might not normally visit.
Buying directly from an artist: the story behind the piece
It changes it quite a lot because you understand the story behind the piece. When you buy directly from an artist, you often know what inspired it.
Perhaps it came from a journey, a particular place or an idea they were exploring at the time. You may have seen where it was made, the tools that were used or even the moment when the artist was working on it.
All that stays with you once the artwork is in your home. It becomes more than just something on the wall because you understand the process and the person behind it.
Shaping the cultural character of West London
What role do you think Artists at Home plays in shaping the cultural character of West London today?
It brings together a lot of creative people who are already living and working here. West London attracts artists, musicians, actors and writers, and events like this help connect those communities.
Artists at Home also allows the public to see how much creativity exists locally. People often discover artists living just a few streets away that they didn’t know about before.
Over time it has become part of the cultural landscape of the area. It sits alongside other events such as the Bedford Park Festival and the Green Days Festival, and together they help shape the character of West London.
Looking ahead to Artists at Home 2026
What excites you most about the 2026 event and where do you see Artists at Home evolving next?
Each year we see new artists joining the event, which is always exciting. For 2026 we’re expecting close to 90 artists exhibiting across around 66 locations, which will give visitors plenty to explore.
We also continue to welcome new artists alongside some very established names. That mixture keeps the event interesting and ensures there is always something fresh for visitors to discover.
Looking ahead, I think the event will continue to evolve in the same way it always has. Artists will keep developing their work, new people will join and the community will keep growing.
That sense of change is part of what has kept Artists at Home going for more than fifty years.
Plan your visit
Artists at Home 2026 takes place over three days this June, with a preview evening on Friday 19 June from 6pm to 9pm, followed by open studios on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June from 11am to 6pm.
There is no shortage of work to discover, conversations to be had and streets to explore.
Browse the full list of artists and plan your route at artistsathome.co.uk, or download the studio guide to take with you on the day.
Horton and Garton is proud to be a long-standing sponsor of Artists at Home and to support the artists, makers and creative community who shape this part of West London.
