Brixton’s oldest advice centre opens up archive of radical history for the first time

One of London’s oldest advice centres will open up its archive for the very first time this weekend as part of a festival that celebrates the capital’s architecture and neighbourhoods.

Former home of the Race Today Collective and squatted by activist and feminist Olive Morris, Brixton Advice Centre (BAC) in Railton Road, Brixton, has been a crucial source of community support since 1966.

For almost 60 years, BAC has supported people with debt, welfare and housing issues and remains at the front line of help in the cost of living crisis today.

This weekend, BAC will take part in the Open House Festival with a free drop in exhibition featuring archive footage from the South London Press and guided walks of the historic building at 167 Railton Road.

Leila Hassan, the widow of broadcaster, writer and racial justice campaigner, Darcus Howe, will host talks on both days and guided tours of the building will be led by BAC chair, Nikky Catto.

Ms Catto is a former client of BAC. She joined the Board of Trustees to repay them for supporting her when she was homeless and has now lived in Brixton for 20 years.

Ms Catto said: “As Brixton’s oldest Advice Centre, rarely do people get a chance to visit us for good times. We wanted to show we are open to all and welcome back old faces and new clients.

“Our history is Brixton’s history. We represent all. We hope to greet old and new supporters and neighbours and collect archive material and memories as we gear up to celebrate our Diamond Jubilee in 2026.

“You can drop in between 10am and 4pm, the only thing we won’t be doing is giving advice on the day.”

The event coincides with the 20th anniversary of the BAC unveiling an English Heritage blue plaque to writer and intellectual Cyril Lionel Robert James.

In 2024, still only two per cent of plaques celebrate black people’s achievements, according to English Heritage.

BAC is the only building in Lambeth to have two blue plaques dedicated to black men.

The life and work of Darcus Howe’s plaque joined his uncle’s in 2022.

For more information and tickets for the tours please visit: https://programme.openhouse.org.uk/listings/12516.

Pictured top: Brixton Advice Centre in Railton Road (Picture: BAC)