What was The Arts Lab?
The Arts Lab at The Three Tuns Public House, Beckenham was originally called the Folk Club with the title ‘Growth’. Organised by David and Mary Finnigan, the Folk Club was in reality a room at the back of the Three Tuns public house on Beckenham High Street. The Arts Lab took place every Sunday evening and after the fourth week, so many people attended that the club had to expand into the conservatory and the garden. 25th May was the first date of the newly named Arts Lab. Bob Dylan’s cousin Tuck Zimmerman made a guest appearance. Some of David’s performances at the Arts Lab do exist on tape. Chas Lippeatt who handled the Arts Lab PA system and film unit used to tape record the evenings music for a free lending library sponsored by the Lab. The Three Tuns is one of Beckenham’s oldest public houses which dates back to 1662. It was once also once known as The Pig & Poke. Recently, the pub has been trendily refurbished along with a name change. Now known as The Rat & Parrot, 157 High Stre
