Open House Festival

Collections

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Saved by local people

Caro Communications is a leading PR and digital agency based in Clerkenwell: as cultural communications strategist, Caro provides support to Open House Festival throughout the year.

Caro’s collection highlights spaces that exist at the intersections of London’s social and political life: buildings and places that have been saved, restored or reactivated by local people for their communities. The buildings and spaces in the collection have all been, or are in the process of being, saved from dereliction, eviction, or demolition.

The collection features buildings that have been afforded a second lease of life right across the capital. Through acts of protest, community-led conservation, or simply congregations of people with a shared passion for motorcycling, Caro recognises the local people that keep these buildings and their progressive social and political activity alive.

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Ace Cafe London

restaurant/bar

Established in 1938, Ace Cafe London has become ‘the home’ for petrolheads and is known as the world’s most famous motor cafe, based on a shared passion for the rich traditions of motorcycles, cars and rock ’n’ roll.

Unknown, 1938

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The Mildmay Club

club, civic, community/cultural, concert/performance space, entertainment

A rare example of a large purpose built metropolitan working men’s club with over 100 years of history. A once dignified building, revival Queen Anne style in the late-Victorian period, Grade II listed in 2019.

Alfred Allen, 1900

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Van Gogh House London

gallery, historical house

The carefully renovated Van Gogh House seeks to share its story and inspire a new generation of artists through Van Gogh’s London story. The house curates a dynamic programme of events anchored in the artist’s practice and local heritage.

Unknown, 1824