Half of it's a bookshop and the other half is an art supply shop, then the third and final half of…read morethe shop is a studio and educational institution. It's one and a half shops really. With a wide selection of all the latest 'got to have' books from hot authors and less attractive ones, the right side of Art on King is dedicated to books on any subject, not just the artistic. Then, if you turn your body to the left in a kind of left turning movement, you'll see, if you haven't already, all of the art supplies. Paints, chalk, rulers, paper, cardboard, models, clay, plastercine, pencils, anatomical figurines and much more, all at reasonable prices and in great supply. I was surprised how cheap the acrylic paint is there, seeing as it can cost a pretty penny elsewhere. The store also holds art classes and acts as a studio in the upstairs area. Home to various lessons in life drawing, specialised arts and the like. The go to place in Newtown for art, books and art based education.

I wish I could paint, unfortunately my artistic abilities tend not to lean in that direction, I am…read morebetter with words than I am with brushes, so rarely would my have any need to enter an art supplies shop, however Art on King shares its space with adjoining shop Modern Times, so while I was there I decided to have a wander. Art on King have all your Art and stationary needs from paints, brushes, pens (what an artist would expect). They also have an extensive range of beautiful large sheets of paper, from delicate embossed papers to Nepalese paper. Also as I am seeing more often, they have a unique range of wrapping paper which would be much better suited as a wall hanging than wrapped around a box, particular note should be made of the human skeletal diagram paper and mushroom paper.

Basement Books is a dangerous place on many levels…read more Danger number one: It's in Central. It is right in Central. Central is a place you meet people, so you might say, meet you in central at 4pm and then you get there at 3.30pm and you have to wait. So what do you do? You go to Basement Books and peruse their countless books with bright yellow stickers advertising their low and affordable price. Danger number two: Because these books that you're perusing are cheap, you can justify the price even if you're not sure whether you even need the book. 'Oh, a history of Physics' I've always been interested in Physics, and it's only $9.95 I should probably buy this and learn about Physics. Danger number three: Their range is gigantic! I almost said 'ginormous', but that's not a word. What I meant was Hugantic! There are literally thousands upon thousands of books and they're always receiving new stock. They have art sections, computer sections, history, film, personal growth, science fiction, literature, even books like the dictionary, which, had I purchased a copy last I was in, would have saved me the embarrassment of using a non-word like 'ginormous'. So beware of Basement Books. You have been warned. The bookshop is in a great location, the titles are cheap and the range extraordinary. I have a pile of books in my room almost as tall as I am that I have yet to read, opportune purchases that came at me as I strolled amidst the aisles killing time. A book on deadly diseases for $4.95, I'm not going to find that bargain again. Buy! Buy! Buy!

In this day and age of Kindle and Kobo and Nook, a solid read (and I mean one that you can…read moreliterally hold and turn pages beneath your fingers) comes pretty cheap. You really do need to head in to see what they've got because I find their online catalogue lacking and sometimes the staff don't even know what they're stocking. The outside disguises how big this place really is, as it has sections for anything from classic fiction to travel books and bios. It has a pretty decent selection of art supplies as well (I'm no art student, but it does cater for scrapbooking hobbies or the amateur artist if you're after it). Right in the back corner they have a little children's section which I found perfect for my six year old sister who's going through her first reading phase. I bought her a collection of these tiny Winnie the Pooh classics, and a special anniversary edition of Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit and Friends stories which averaged around $4 and $12 respectively. They have tons of different hard cover books (some of which are pop up!) which were surprisingly cheap, but more importantly, were invaluable in keeping kids (of all ages) entertained for hours.

As with so many of the other reviews mine relates to the online purchasing experience. I ordered an…read moreitem which appeared to be in stock only to discover it was on backorder; not that the retailer provided that information, I only found out after complaining. The retailer undertook to refund my payment but NOTHING as yet. My next course of action is Fair Trading NSW. My advice to anyone thinking of ordering online with this retailer: 1. Think again and look elsewhere. 2. If you really must purchase from them, use PayPal so you have recourse via Buyer Protection. 3. If you've had a bad experience with Newtown Art Supplies, please complain to Fair Trading NSW; even if the matter is ultimately resolved they keep data on dodgy retailers like these. 4. Finally, leave a review so others are warned to avoid this business.

The Store has great staff but the online ordering is just terrible…read more Three weeks late and when I followed up, they replied to my email to tell me to call by phone. Because they couldn't tell me the issue in the email? Which I had already sent them. Called by phone and was told they 'left several messages', but the only date they knew of was 26/11, and there were no missed calls or messages logged on my mobile for that date. Or the day after. Or that phone number at all as a missed call. Their instore staff are polite and knowledgeable, but the staff managing their online orders are rude and unhelpful. I don't recommend them online at all. I wanted to support a local business but it's hard when other Art suppliers online ordering is easy and well run.

Very poor service , at kadmium bay st Broadway . Seeing I spent over $700 a month on art…read moresupplies In both of the stores For the past 3 years . and the staff don't even know me in bay st I still don't have a discount card. Never been offered . There is more then one art supplies in my area . I discovered Sydney Artstore . Great service and I was offered a great discount on my first visit with friendly helpful service.

From the owner: At Kadmium Art + Design supplies our aim is to combine specialty Art, Design and Architectural…read moresupplies with canvas stretching, in-house picture framing, imported stationery and unique gift ideas. Kadmium is much more than just your local art store, it's a hub for ideas, creativity and art classes as well as a platform for experiencing the latest art supplies technology. Kadmium has two convenient locations within the inner west of Sydney at Broadway and Paddington. Our friendly and experienced staff can help you find what you need and walk you through our extensive range of products and professional services. If you have any questions regarding techniques or you need to troubleshoot a an idea, feel free to discuss it with out staff to see what products are available to help you.

Amazing Paper - a shop that needs little further description. It sells a huge variety of paper -…read morehand marbled, oriental, Western and exotic prints on thick sheets of glorious paper. This is the type of shop to inspire you; creativity exudes from the walls and the owners, who are happy to help. A great place to buy gifts, wrapping paper, cards, diaries, art and craft supplies, invitations, ribbon and all manner of wonderful stationary. DIY invitations, bookbinding and more mean that amazing paper has got all of your papery needs sorted.

This is an iconic Newtown/Enmore emporium of exotic papers, ideas and inspiration. Perfect for…read moreanyone moved by a creative project, you'll find this creative den will help you add enormous value to whatever you have designed. They closed their funky shopfront in Enmore and relocated in the artisan quarter of Chapel Street Marrickville. If you've been wondering where they had gone to, your resource centre is back in your life.a

Instead of a scarf or perfume, I wanted to give my mum something more sentimental this Mother's…read moreDay-an enlarged, framed photo of us which captured a beautiful, natural moment from Easter. I knew that finding framing services in this creative inner-city suburb shouldn't be a problem, and sure enough, I soon discovered this shop walking from Erskineville Station. Tom, the owner, is a professional with years of experience and was helpful in regards to frame selection. He is very meticulous, preferring to take his time with the work rather than under deliver. With a variety of interesting works in for framing or repairs, it's impossible to get bored while you wait for the finished product. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of work and I was even able to pick up a card for my mum. It was worth seeing the look on her face when she opened her present. Thank you Tom!

While in Melbourne I bought an Indigenous artwork on canvas that I wanted to get framed, and back…read morehome I brought it to Tom on the recommendation of an artist friend who always goes to him. I had no idea about anything, but Tom suggested that instead of framing it as such I get it stretched(?) because (paraphrasing) Aboriginal art and "traditional" frames are kind of a strange marriage. I'm glad I followed his advice because it looks amazing on my wall (it seriously makes me so happy to see this painting every day) and his work was very reasonably priced. I told him there was no rush but even so it was ready in less than a week. It's probably a good idea to ring in advance because the hours aren't always true to what it says on the door (the advantage of working for yourself) plus if you need to get some guidance like I did you won't want to stop by when it's busy. A super nice guy who does quality work - I'd recommend this business to anyone.

The gentleman who owns this shop is an old school shop keeper--he really wants to get to know you…read moreand have a conversation about your life and what you want out of the item you're having framed. I easily spent 30 minutes here picking up my partner's framed degree when it could have been much more transactional--take that as you will. I find it lovely that someone still has this traditional approach to doing business, but also hadn't budgeted quite enough time in my day to enjoy it. My partner found it a bit off putting when he initially dropped off his degree in a frame, just asking for a custom matte board, because he was told that the existing frame was cheap (it was, that was intentional) and that the degree should be in a nicer one. He went to Rococo at the suggestion of the team at Blue Dog, who sold us the frame, and I'm not sure they would appreciate having their products called cheap, but what can you do. $150 later and the degree does look really good, I just wish we hadn't bought the other frame first.

Great friendly service, good advice for the frames that Ive got for my humble paintings. I…read morerecommend it.

This small pocket of a corner store creates a close to authentic Himalayan experience. Sultry world…read moremusic plays and the first thing you notice are the interesting Himalayan artifacts and hand made gloves and socks. They are wool and exude durability in their ruggedness. The prices are good, really awesome t-shirts and shirts for the guys and girls, adding an artistic bohemian style to your wardrobe for just $25-$30. The colours are fantastic and some great gift ideas are to be found. They open at approx 11am each day and work 7 days a week closing at roughly 7pm. The owner Sujan comes in on Sunday for the inside scoop. Up the back there are some bells and iron on badges, very unique to this experience.

This is an absolutely spiritual little shop fulfilling every inch of your quest for soul and…read morespiritual search safe haven. The other worldly experience is complemented by the heavy nag champa incent scent and the subtle exotic highland music at the background, felt like on the clouds abit. This little store has all kinds of authentic Himalayan artifacts you wish you could stay there all day appreciating and indulging in mental escape from this world taken into the mysterious spiritual realm of Himalayan/Tibetan highland cultures , all uniquely handcrafted and hours of workmanship involved in these deity statues found in traditional Tibetan Buddhism . Also are other prayer tools (bowls, bells, wheels, beads etc) and himalayan ornaments (jewelries) and Tibetan hippyish organic clothes and bags . This is like a little museum offering a peek into the other worlds of highland Himalayan cultures that could easily be overlooked walking down newtown area but promise you 'll never come across any shop as authentic as this one before. alot of dedication poured in by the owner Sujan, all profits n benefits goes directly back to the local crafters of the shop items back in Himalayan area .