From Schoolhouse to Studio
Nestled in the heart of Westminster, The Blewcoat School is home to Sister by Studio Ashby — a building rich with history and quiet grandeur. For five years our studio has drawn on craft, culture and connection; this place reminds us that making and meaning go hand in hand.
Every element of The Blewcoat School informs the work we do. Its quiet strength and enduring character shape a studio where making is intentional, connections are valued, and each detail matters. It’s a space that mirrors the precision and thoughtfulness behind every piece we bring to life.
The Story of The Blewcoat School
Founded in 1688 and rebuilt in 1709 on land leased from Westminster Abbey, The Blewcoat School was the first of its kind — a charity school providing free education, clothing and medical care for local boys in Westminster. The pupils’ distinctive blue coats mirrored the statue that still stands proudly on the building’s façade, a lasting symbol of its purpose and spirit.
Through the centuries, the Grade I listed building has lived many lives — from a wartime centre for the forces to a youth club and, later, a restoration project under the care of the National Trust. Yet, despite its changing roles, the Blewcoat’s character endures: the warm brickwork, Corinthian columns and that unmistakable blue figure remain as vivid today as they were three centuries ago.
A Future Heirloom, Grounded in History
As the new custodians of The Blewcoat, we are mindful of its past while shaping its future. Every corner, surface, and detail informs how we work, guiding a practice rooted in care, craft, and quiet precision. This is a space where ideas are nurtured, materials are respected, and creations are made to endure.
Being stewards of this extraordinary building is a responsibility we embrace. History is not just remembered here — it is lived, felt, and carried forward through everything we make, ensuring that the legacy of this remarkable site continues in the work we bring to life.
Visit Us at The Blewcoat School
Once a place of learning, The Blewcoat School now houses a new kind of study — of craft, material, and design. We invite you to explore our collection in this Grade I listed building, where centuries of history meet contemporary creation.
The Blewcoat School
23 Caxton Street
London, SW1H 0PY
We’re open Monday - Friday
9:30am to 5:30pm
To arrange a visit or speak with a member of the Sister team, please get in touch:
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