A visitor browsing the costume and clothing rails inside the Scrapstore

Our story

A London scrapstore, in Tooting since 1988.

Work and Play Scrapstore, the operating name of the registered charity Wandsworth Work and Play, is based on the Hazelhurst Estate, in premises generously supported by Wandsworth Council.

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What we're here for

Vision

A city where everyone can be sustainably creative.

Mission

We rescue materials that would otherwise be thrown away, and make creativity affordable and accessible to everyone in London.

Since 1988

The story

Since 1988 we've rescued materials that would otherwise be thrown away and made them available to the community for creative use. Schools, nurseries, community groups, families, students, artists and makers are our wide-ranging members. Everyone is welcome, and a small annual fee gives access to people who could not otherwise afford materials like these. A small paid team, supported by around 50 volunteers, keeps the store running day to day.

I am so proud that Scrapstore is an active participant in the burgeoning circular economy.Gill, trustee

Ellora's story

The Work Play Scrapstore has been a life-changing resource for our home-educating family with two neurodiverse children. For over 10 years, it has provided affordable access to creative materials that have supported their learning, mental health, and future ambitions.

My children's passion for making and design has flourished thanks to the Scrapstore, allowing them to explore textiles, engineering, 3D modelling, and crafts that we could never have afforded otherwise. Importantly, it has embedded sustainability values from a young age, teaching them to re-use, recycle, and think in terms of a circular economy, a lesson now central to all creative courses and careers. These opportunities directly helped my 16-year-old son gain a place at Kingston College to study 3D Design.

During lockdown, the Scrapstore kept us learning, creating, and connected. The skills and confidence my children have gained from working with unique materials and supportive volunteers have been invaluable. We are truly grateful for the opportunities this membership has given our family and hope every child can one day access the same creative freedom.

Ellora Coupe, home-educating parent and member

Our team