Access all areas: improving access at Cecil Sharp House

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Published: Friday, 31 May 2013 13:15

Major renovation set to transform accessibility at iconic arts venue

Cecil Sharp House, the headquarters of the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS), is set for a major renovation project that will result in improved access and upgraded facilities for visitors.

Improvements will, for the first time, offer wheelchair users easy access to all four floors of the Grade II listed building in Camden, north London.

Improvements to the foyer and the resurfacing of the main entrance will further enhance accessibility at the iconic arts venue, which was built in 1930. This will be the largest capital spend on Cecil Sharp House since 1951.

Impact on summer timetable

The renovation works are set to take place between June and September and will cause some disruption to the event schedule – with limited daytime activities while construction is underway.

Most regular evening activities will go ahead, but regular attendees are advised to visit the venue’s online events calendar, or contact EFDSS on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., to check if their event, class or course is affected.

Sound and audio visual collections temporarily unavailable

The sound and audio visual collections in the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library will be unavailable. If you require more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | +44 (0)20 7485 2206 ext.233.

Widening access to the folk arts

Katy Spicer, EFDSS Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted that we have secured funding and planning permission for this much-needed work, which will bring Cecil Sharp House into line with modern accessibility standards, and lead to increased participation in the folk arts for people with mobility issues. The new features will also make the House more accessible to young families with buggies or pushchairs.

“Although there will be a period of minor disruption to our activities, once the renovation is complete we will have step-free access to the bar, cafe and our smaller halls – where the majority of classes and an increasing number of performance events take place.”

The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) has been awarded a grant of £378,842 from Arts Council England, as part of their small capital grants programme, to improve access at Cecil Sharp House. This project is also supported by The Headley Trust.

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Information for wheelchair and pushchair access