Acme secures Acme Propeller Factory as Co-Founder David Panton OBE marks five decades of leadership

In a landmark moment, London-based charity Acme has successfully purchased Acme Propeller Factory (APF) in Deptford, securing in perpetuity the largest affordable artist studio building of its kind in London.

The achievement marks a major milestone for artists’ workspace provision in the capital and coincides with the announcement that David Panton OBE, Acme’s Co-Founder and Co-Director, steps away from his executive role to focus solely on Chair of the Board duties.

The purchase was made possible through generous funding from The Julia Rausing Trust, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Sylvia Waddilove Foundation UK, and the Mayor of London, whose support reflects the building’s location within the Mayor’s Lewisham Creative Enterprise Zone, alongside bank borrowing and invaluable contributions from artists, friends, and local communities.

David’s leadership was central to the successful acquisition of Acme Propeller Factory, including securing a landmark £2.5 million grant from The Julia Rausing Trust, alongside further funding support. Acme Propeller Factory now stands both as a vital resource for artists and as a lasting symbol of Acme’s commitment to creating the conditions in which artists can live, work, and contribute to the cultural and social fabric of the city.

On 15 January 2026, Acme Propeller Factory hosted a Mayor of London Creative Enterprise Zone event celebrating this achievement and marking a major moment for the future of affordable workspace in the capital.

We would like to thank everyone who joined us at Acme Propeller Factory for this important moment, and to extend our sincere thanks to the Mayor of London and all partners whose continued support makes long-term, affordable artist workspace in London possible.

Read the press release here.