Broad Canvas, Oxford Travel Guide

Free Guide: Oxford’s trusted art and craft hub since 1981, offering expert advice and quality supplies for all creative journeys.

A brief summary of Broad Canvas

Oxford’s trusted art and craft hub since 1981, offering expert advice and quality supplies for all creative journeys.

Broad Canvas, located at 20 Broad Street in Oxford, is a renowned art and craft shop serving artists since 1981. It offers a wide range of high-quality art supplies, craft materials, and framing services, supported by knowledgeable staff who are practicing artists themselves. With a focus on supporting creatives of all levels, Broad Canvas combines expert advice, excellent customer service, and a welcoming atmosphere for hobbyists, students, and professionals alike.

0.5–2 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
IndoorSetting
5 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Information boards
4.4 Very good · 113 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Mon–Sat10 am–5 pm
  • SunClosed

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
20 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AS
Phone
Website

Getting there

Bus

Take the Oxford Bus Company routes serving central Oxford with stops near Broad Street; travel times from Oxford city center are typically 5-15 minutes. Buses run frequently but check schedules for evenings and weekends. Single fares cost approximately £2-£3.

Walking

From Oxford city center, Broad Canvas is a 10-15 minute walk along mostly flat, paved streets. The route is accessible for wheelchair users and suitable for all fitness levels.

Taxi

Taxis from Oxford railway station to Broad Canvas take about 10 minutes depending on traffic, costing roughly £8-£12. Taxi services are available throughout the day and evening.

Discover more about Broad Canvas

A Legacy of Artistic Support in Oxford

Broad Canvas has been a cornerstone of Oxford’s creative community since its establishment in 1981. Over four decades, it has grown into the city’s leading art and craft supplier, trusted by artists, students, and hobbyists alike. The shop’s longevity reflects its commitment to quality and service, maintaining strong relationships with local schools, universities, and creative professionals. This dedication ensures that Broad Canvas remains a vital resource for those pursuing artistic endeavors in Oxford and beyond.

A Comprehensive Range of Art Supplies and Services

The shop stocks an extensive range of art materials, including paints, brushes, canvases, papers, and craft essentials. It also offers specialized supplies for needlework, haberdashery, and picture framing, making it a one-stop destination for diverse creative needs. Customers benefit from access to top brands and carefully curated products, ensuring quality and reliability. Additionally, Broad Canvas provides framing services that help artists and collectors preserve and showcase their work with professional finishes.

Expert Staff with Artistic Insight

What sets Broad Canvas apart is its team of staff who are themselves practicing artists, illustrators, and designers. This insider perspective allows them to offer tailored advice and recommendations, helping customers find the right materials for their projects and budgets. Their passion for art fosters a welcoming environment where beginners and seasoned artists alike can feel supported and inspired.

Community Engagement and Customer Rewards

Broad Canvas actively supports the local creative community through special discounts for students and bulk buying options for educational institutions and businesses. The shop also encourages customer engagement via its ‘My Broad Canvas’ membership, which offers exclusive deals, early access to new products, and an online gallery platform for artists to showcase their work. This community-oriented approach strengthens ties between the shop and its patrons, enhancing the creative culture in Oxford.

Convenience and Accessibility

Situated on Broad Street, one of Oxford’s central thoroughfares, Broad Canvas is easily accessible to locals and visitors. The shop operates Monday through Saturday, from 10 am to 5 pm, providing ample opportunity for in-person browsing and consultation. For those unable to visit physically, Broad Canvas offers efficient online ordering with low-cost delivery options across the UK, ensuring that quality art supplies are within reach regardless of location.

An Inspiring Destination for Creatives

Whether you are a professional artist seeking premium materials, a student preparing for coursework, or a hobbyist exploring new crafts, Broad Canvas offers a rich and supportive environment. Its blend of expert knowledge, comprehensive product range, and community focus makes it a beloved institution in Oxford’s artistic landscape, inspiring creativity and craftsmanship for generations.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Nov · before 9am or from 8pm

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 63% of the busiest month
  4. Apr: 75% of the busiest month
  5. May: 88% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 100% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 88% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 75% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 63% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  12. Dec: 50% of the busiest month
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 7am: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  2. 8am: 22% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 9am: 44% of the busiest hour
  4. 10am: 78% of the busiest hour
  5. 11am: 89% of the busiest hour
  6. 12pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  7. 1pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  8. 2pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  9. 3pm: 78% of the busiest hour
  10. 4pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  11. 5pm: 56% of the busiest hour
  12. 6pm: 33% of the busiest hour
  13. 7pm: 22% of the busiest hour
  14. 8pm: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

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