Then and Now: Coldharbour Lane/Cooltan Arts
Photographic comparisons of old and modern views of Lambeth



1995 Dubbed 'The Old Dolehouse' this former Unemployment Office once counted former Prime Minister John Major amongst its patrons. The building was squatted by the Brixton-based CoolTan Arts in Sept 92 who created a thriving community arts centre, offering workshops, exhibition space, rehearsal space, a cafe and a music venue.



Dec 2003 The squatters were evicted in Sept 1995, and apart from two short periods of re-occupation, the building has been left to rot ever since. To prevent the building being put back into community use, bailiffs smashed all the toilets, basins and windows, leaving the building open to the elements. It became a favourite haunt for junkies until unsightly high hoardings were placed around the building in 2002. See feature.



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