Key Points
- Ted McKenzie, born 1999 in Shrewsbury, is an emerging contemporary painter based in South London, working from life in urban surroundings.
- He is featuring as a “New Blood Artist” at Little Louie, a popular café in Elephant and Castle, Southwark, showcasing his work to the local community.
- McKenzie studies at City and Guilds of London Art School in Kennington and has exhibited in London, Glasgow, New York, and other locations.
- Nominated for New Blood Art Emerging Art Prize 2024 and runner-up for Philip Connard Travel Award 2023.
- Recent and upcoming exhibitions include degree show at City and Guilds (June 2024), Au Lapin Agile in Peckham (July 2024), and others curated by Toby Ursell and Toby Messenger.
- Little Louie, part of the Louie Louie group founded by Chris Greenwood, is a café by day and bar by night in Elephant Park, SE17, sharing space with local traders.
- McKenzie’s practice involves painting from life in South London urban settings, with a solo show “Contested Space: 6 Paintings” in 2021 at Winemakers in Deptford.
Southwark (South London News) March 5, 2026 – Ted McKenzie, the emerging contemporary painter born in 1999, has been highlighted as a “New Blood Artist” at Little Louie in Elephant and Castle, bringing fresh artistic talent to this vibrant South London café space. The feature spotlights his works painted from life amid urban surroundings, drawing attention from local art enthusiasts and the community. This development underscores the growing support for young artists in Southwark’s cultural scene.
- Key Points
- Who is Ted McKenzie?
- What is the New Blood Artist Feature at Little Louie?
- Where is Little Louie Located and What Makes It Special?
- What is Ted McKenzie’s Artistic Background?
- What Awards Has Ted McKenzie Received?
- How Does Ted McKenzie’s Work Reflect South London?
- What are McKenzie’s Recent Exhibitions and Future Plans?
- Why is Little Louie Supporting Emerging Artists?
- What is the Broader Context of South London’s Art Scene?
Who is Ted McKenzie?
Ted McKenzie (b.1999, Shrewsbury) is an artist living and working in South London, currently pursuing his BA in Fine Art at City and Guilds of London Art School in Kennington.
As detailed on his official website, his paintings have been exhibited across London, Glasgow, and New York, marking his rise in the contemporary art world.
According to his LinkedIn profile, McKenzie has transitioned into roles such as Art Tutor at Caritas St. Josephs since May 2025, working with adults with intellectual disabilities in Hendon. He describes himself as an artist and tutor with a studio in Woolwich, emphasising his commitment to both creation and education.
What is the New Blood Artist Feature at Little Louie?
The “New Blood Artist” initiative at Little Louie spotlights emerging talents like McKenzie, displaying their works within the café’s welcoming environment in Elephant Park, Southwark. Little Louie, opened in November 2021, operates as a café by day and a wine, cocktail, and audio bar by night, sharing a ‘meanwhile space’ with traders like Fix Your Cycle, Vintage Matters, and Solo Crafts.
As reported in coverage of the Louie Louie group, this venue fosters community engagement in the evolving Elephant and Castle area. The feature aligns with broader efforts by founder Chris Greenwood to integrate local art, similar to decorating dinghy sails with young artists’ works at sister site Low Line Louie.
Where is Little Louie Located and What Makes It Special?
Little Louie is situated in Elephant Park, SE17, Southwark, part of a network including Louie Louie in Walworth (opened 2017), South London Louie at South London Gallery in Peckham, and Low Line Louie in London Bridge.
The South London Gallery’s South London Louie at 67 Peckham Road serves specialty coffee, sandwiches, and more, with hours from 9am-6pm weekdays.
Founder Chris Greenwood, as interviewed by The Shard, explained the ethos:
“We’ve bought some old dinghy sails to shade the courtyard. We’ve got some young local artists decorating them. Customers can buy the ones they like and the artists can keep the profit – a sail sale!”
During the pandemic, the group cooked over 15,000 meals for NHS workers and supported neighbours in need.
Low Line Louie, launched Summer 2022 on reclaimed land by Southwark Council, features a vertical garden and award-winning architecture.
What is Ted McKenzie’s Artistic Background?
McKenzie completed his Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at Hereford College of Arts in 2020/2021 before advancing to City and Guilds.
His exhibition history is extensive for an emerging artist. In 2024, upcoming shows include Au Lapin Agile curated by Toby Ursell at Safehouse 1 in Peckham (12-14 July), Degree Show at City and Guilds in Kennington (22-28 June), and Adventures in Space at Generator Projects in Dundee (to be rescheduled).
In 2023, he participated in From the Big Splash to the Last Splash in Glasgow at Iota (curated by Toby Messenger), From the Studio at Symes Mews in Camden, and the London edition at Terrace Gallery in Leyton.
Earlier, 2022 saw Let the World Come ‘Round at Teffia Primary in Kingston, New York; Oxmarket Open curated by Andrew Churchill and Holly Fox-Lee at Oxmarket Contemporary in Chichester; Impressions at Ugly Duck in London Bridge; and Pathways on Paper for Maggie’s curated by Isaac Simon at South Parade in Deptford.
His solo debut, Contested Space: 6 Paintings, was at Winemakers in Deptford in 2021. Recent mentions include Anna Moss’ FAD Magazine article ‘7 LONDON ART GRADS TO SEE AT THE SHOWS’ and nomination by tutors for New Blood Art Emerging Art Prize 2024.
What Awards Has Ted McKenzie Received?
McKenzie was nominated for the New Blood Art Emerging Art Prize 2024 and named runner-up for the Philip Connard Travel Award 2023 by Skinners’ Company. Additionally, he was longlisted for Jackson’s Art Prize in March 2025.
These accolades highlight his potential, as noted on his website and professional profiles.
How Does Ted McKenzie’s Work Reflect South London?
McKenzie paints from life in his urban South London surroundings, capturing the essence of city life. With a studio in Woolwich and studies in Kennington, his practice is deeply rooted in the area, from Peckham exhibitions to Deptford solos.
This local focus aligns with Little Louie’s community vibe in Elephant and Castle, promoting artists who document South London’s dynamic scenes.
What are McKenzie’s Recent Exhibitions and Future Plans?
Beyond the New Blood feature, McKenzie’s 2024 lineup includes high-profile group shows curated by notable figures like Toby Ursell. His LinkedIn notes recent duo show ‘Before we go to sleep’ with Alice Delhanty at Love Waxes Cold, Au Lapin Agile at BayArt in Cardiff, and You Crazy Child at Turps Gallery.
Future plans, such as the Dundee show, indicate expanding reach while staying connected to London.
Why is Little Louie Supporting Emerging Artists?
Little Louie’s integration of art, as part of Chris Greenwood’s vision, builds community post-pandemic. Greenwood’s background in music—from acid house to techno—shifted to hospitality, running live music via Altar_Native at St Peter’s Church in Walworth.
Supporting artists like McKenzie via sales and displays echoes initiatives at other Louie sites.
What is the Broader Context of South London’s Art Scene?
South London boasts venues like South London Gallery, hosting South London Louie and international contemporary art. Emerging artists like McKenzie contribute to a scene blending local history with urban advocacy, as seen in galleries from Peckham to Deptford.
This feature at Little Louie exemplifies how cafés and pop-ups nurture talent amid regeneration projects like Elephant Park.
