What we do 

At Oxford House we:

• Present a creative programme with participation at its heart
• Run daily classes, including dance, acting and singing, for all ages and backgrounds
• Tackle isolation by providing opportunities where people can come together, share and connect
• Run a community café, working closely with local suppliers
• Provide venue hire space for rehearsals, filming, meetings and events
• Provide office spaces for the not for profit, creative and cultural sectors

Our Values 

• Collaborative – in how we work with partners, resident companies, and communities to create fabulous activities
• Respectful – of the people and organisations, we work with by always valuing the importance of difference
• Engaging – with audiences, visitors, and partners to ensure we get better at what we do and how we do it
• Anti-racist – in how we work with people and communities
• Trusted – to be a safe space to work, volunteer or visit
• Energising– in our approach to projects and how we make a difference to community life

A (very) Short History 

We were established in 1884 as a space where students and graduates lived and volunteered their time to create social projects. Their aim was to tackle the causes of poverty and reduce its impact on the local community by creating clubs and projects.

They included creating youth clubs, a mutual loan society, a labour registry to find work and a ‘Poor Man’s Lawyer’ service so people could access legal advice. Many of these intiatives have become part of our normal lives and exist today.  

Oxford House was home to these volunteers, who literally lived upstairs in bedsits. We stopped being residential in the late 1970s and converted the bedsits to offices or community project spaces.

A major extension in 2004, funded by Arts Council England, led to the creation of Oh! Arts. New spaces were built including a 120-seat studio theatre, dance studio, rehearsal and gallery space plus a community arts programme.

More recently, in 2019, we completed a major refurbishment with Heritage Lottery funding. This much needed investment provided a new ramped entrance, cafe and gallery space, a new roof and repairs to the chapel, roof terrace, meeting rooms, lift and upgraded the electrical and heating infrastructure.  

In 2024 we celebrated our 140th anniversary. It is quite a story with many highs and lows. What remains a constant in our 140 years is a deep committment to supporting the amazing communities of East London, where sadly the impact of poverty is still felt.

Trustees

Michael Judge (Chair)

“Oxford House is a unique civic space – where else can you find a theatre, gallery, dance studio, chapel and café all under one roof?”

Michael is Associate Artistic Director with New International Encounter Theatre. He is a theatre-maker who specialises in place-making, community, and work for young people. He has worked at Royal Opera House, Dundee Rep and British Council.

Michael’s first encounter with Oxford House was 20 years ago when he produced a young people’s theatre festival in the building. Michael lives locally and joined the board in 2012.

Robert Robinson  (Vice Chair)

“Oxford House in a wonderful space to meet, enjoy inspirational culture, to learn and to agitate for change. The people who use and enjoy the spaces here genuinely reflect the diversity of the Bethnal Green we are so fortunate to call home. Come join us!”

Rob is co-founder of Notes Coffee Roasters, a thriving collection of coffee shops and bars. Rob began his hospitality journey in 2008, opening a coffee cart in a London market after finishing university. Having grown the business to 12 venues and a Roastery, he now leads on People and Operations.

Rob is a local resident and joined the board in 2016.

Ibrar Alyas (Treasurer)

Ibby is a Director at Credit Suisse and Head of Programme Management, Market Risk Technology and has also worked for Accenture and PWC. Ibby joined the board in 2019 and is our Treasurer.

Linda Kaur

“Oxford House has been a pillar of Bethnal Green, always adapting to better serve the ever changing needs of the local community.”

Linda is a director and owner of local business, Khalsa School Wear, based in Bethnal Green. Linda has been a local resident, youth worker, school governor and community activist for over 40 years. Linda joined the board in the mid-1990’s.

Ery Nzaramba

“I just love Oxford House’s history and what it stands for. Every neighbourhood in the country should have an OH. I feel honoured to have been given a chance to serve its cause.”

Ery is a freelance Writer and Actor who lives locally. He joined the board in 2023.

Ruth Springer

Ruth is on the Senior Team of a secondary school in Bethnal Green, and has lived and worked in East London for 16 years. She also works as a leadership coach and trainer with school leaders across the country. As a history teacher, she is particularly interested in the way Oxford House has participated in and been shaped by the history of Bethnal Green over the last 140 years. Ruth joined the board in 2023.

Martin Reyes

Martin is Head of People and Culture at Whitechapel Gallery, leading the development of their HR strategy and contributing to the Gallery’s success through its people. With more than ten years working for community-oriented organisations in the third sector, he has held multiple leadership roles across diverse organisations covering homelessness, mental health and learning disability.

As a chartered member of CIPD, Martin is a qualified and accredited HR professional who also holds membership with the CMI.

Martin is a local resident and joined the board in 2023.

Sarah Castle 

“Oxford House is a place rooted in history yet steadfastly looking to the future as it seeks to build a harmonious and creative community in Bethnal Green. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this journey?”

Sarah is Head of Access and Learning at a national museum. She previously managed the higher education programme at the Museum of London. She has a particular interest in inclusion and loves that Oxford House works with local communities to promote this amazing building and what goes on inside (and on the roof!) as theirs to inform and to enjoy.

Sarah is passionate about community arts and has been involved in making music and taking part in performances for as long as she has lived in East London (20+ years). Sarah joined the board in 2023.

Staff Team

John Ryan | Chief Executive

“I love the back story of OH and that we are rooted in Bethnal Green and east London. We have a future too as we help to build a creative and fair Bethnal Green.” 

John has been the Chief Executive of Oxford House since 2008. He has over 30 years’ experience in leadership roles having worked for local authorities, housing associations and a national community and regeneration consultancy. He also has significant governance experience, including Chair of Manor House Development Trust (2008 – 2014); a community-led partner in the 20 year regeneration programme of the Woodberry Down Estate in Hackney.

John is currently a mentor on the Future of London’s ‘Future London Leaders’ programme.

Recruiting | Heritage Producer
Ani Howell  | Operations Manager 
Ruby Holder| Cafe Manager 
Enus Ali | Front of house
Anisa Khanom | Front of house
Lala Oyegun | Front of house
Annie Gao | Front of house
Kwame Owusu | Front of house & Cleaner
Comfort Buabeng | Cleaner
Agnes Asiedu | Cleaner

Want to become a community partner?

We’re a bustling hub with over 20 community partners & resident companies and are always interested in providing more activities.

We are very interested in classes for young people during day time or after school clubs. Please contact info@oxfordhouse.org.uk to discuss opportunities.

We also have affordable workspaces for hire, so get in touch if you are looking for a space to hold a meeting, workshop or event. Please contact john.ryan@oxfordhouse.org.uk for further information or review our spaces here.