Jack Hartshorn is the man behind Kingswood Arts, the new arts centre opening on the Kingswood Estate in the south of Dulwich. Originally from Manchester, Jack is an experienced educator and arts project manager and spent 10 years in the music industry performing throughout the UK and Europe and managing recording studios, before settling in London in 2020.
How long have you lived in the area?
Not long at all! I have just moved to the area with my wife Laura as the new live in guardians of Bell House on College Road!
What brought you here?
Despite being residents of Bell House, the reason for being in the area is that I am the general manager of Kingswood Arts, the new operators of Kingswood House, an 19th century mansion on the Kingswood Estate right in the south of Dulwich! We are launching in April with a programme of classes, activities and performance for young people and families. We’re also launching a lovely little cafe and will be hosting weddings and events in our beautiful ballrooms.
What do you most value about the area/street you live in?
I am super excited to be living and working in the area. The people here are really engaged in arts and culture and there is so much going on! I’m also a bit of a history buff and the amount of local history is fascinating!
Do you know your neighbours?
Not yet, but that’s exactly what I’m keen to do. Many people in SE21 don’t know Kingswood House is there, and many more haven’t had the chance to see inside. It’s a fantastic building with plenty of original features and lots to explore! We’re launching in April and would love to invite all our neighbours inside.
Do you belong to any groups?
As of this month… Bell House Saturday Gardeners!
Where are you likely to be found on Saturday?
Right now you can usually find me in one of two Dulwich mansions! Which all sounds very posh but it’s not all glitz and glamour! I’m usually getting my hands dirty or moving endless furniture up endless stairs. But I love it!
Coffee or tea? Where?
Tea, always, anywhere!
The best meal I’ve ever had..
The Moorcock Inn in Sowerby Bridge up North. An unbelievably good menu in a beautiful Yorkshire valley – and no London prices! It’s sadly now closed so you will have to take my word for it…
If money was no object..
After a couple of nice holidays I would almost certainly get bored and want to do something useful for society. After working with young people for the last 12 years and seeing the services and resources available for them eroding away I couldn’t not prioritise that.
The book I’m reading at the moment..
Dan Barber’s – The Third Plate: Field Notes on the Future of Food
My perfect holiday..
Anglesey in Wales cooking fish on the beach with my family
My secret ambition..
I want to run away to the countryside and live on a commune…