For the first time in more than 20 years the Croydon Art Collection is to be exhibited and you might just be a little bit surprised by some of the artists on show.

The collection is a series of artworks displaying the visual history of the borough from early 18th century landscapes to modern abstract art.

Among the well-known artists on show are Henry Moore, Max Ernst, Patrick Caulfield, Bridget Riley, who taught at Croydon College and Malcolm McLaren, who has vivid memories of his time in the area as a student at Croydon College.

"Croydon will always be remembered as rites of passage of my life," says the former manager of the Sex Pistols.

"From the constant roaming at night through its market streets and thereafter navigating those deep leafy suburbs into the countryside beyond to spending hours looking out of Croydon's art school windows observing and then struggling to come to terms with these giant triffids of buildings that rise up and spread themselves all along East Croydon's path.

"Using charcoal pencil and anything close to hand, I drew and drew and drew and the drawing the collection has is all that remains.

"The rest must have fallen into the hands of long lost girlfriends somewhere in Croydon."

Croydon artists Evacutees Phipson, James Cooper and illustrator Cicley Mary Barker, of Flower Fairy fame, will also be exhibited in the exhibition that aims to show Croydon has always had a vibrant arts-scene.

The range of artworks will present a visual history of the area, from its scenic countryside roots to the centre of transport and industry it has become.

Visitors will also be encouraged to produce their own Croydon landscape, or try their hand at copying one of the masterpieces from the collection.

Croydon College will be running an exhibition of their archive material in their Parfitt Gallery to coincide with Scene Unseen.

Upcoming events:

- October 10, 11am and 2.30pm, free. Gallery Tours of Scene Unseen Exhibition: Croydon’s senior borough archivist, Chris Bennett, hosts a tour of the exhibition, focusing on scenes of historic interest.

- October 17, 10am to 3pm, free, Clocktower Activities Room. Family workshop: Croydon on film!: Meet Photoblizter Eric Hands and travel round Croydon with your camera, disposable cameras are available if needed.

- October 28, 11am and 2pm, free, Clocktower Activities Room. Family workshop: Along the Horizon. Create skylines out of paper in this fun collage workshop.

- October 29, 11a, and 2pm, free, Clocktower Activities Room. Family workshop: From Paint to Clay. Recreate a painting from the Croydon Art Collection in air dry clay to take home.

Scene Unseen, The Museum of Croydon, Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, October 10 to May 1, 11am-5pm, free. Call 020 8253 1022 museumofcroydon.com