7 reasons to visit Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft

Come with us to the next in our series on the nation’s smaller galleries. This month we visit this beautifully designed museum that celebrates the rich heritage of Sussex craft and beyond

Image: courtesy of Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft 

Where can you find Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft? 

This former schoolhouse lies in the heart of Ditchling, a picturesque village within the South Downs National Park. The building itself is flanked by a duck pond, village green and the local World War I memorial, designed by sculptor and typographer Eric Gill (1882–1940). If not travelling by car, bus services run from nearby Lewes, while the nearest rail station is Hassocks. Visitors can take a 10-minute taxi journey or a half-hour walk from the station – an ideal option for a sunny day. 

Image: courtesy of Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft 

Why should you visit?

This small but mighty museum reopened after a major refurbishment in 2013, and features focused exhibitions that celebrate art and craft, as well as the often-overlooked importance of typography. The permanent collection celebrates the artistic heritage of the area, where 20th-century Sussex artists defined a distinctly British Modernism. What’s more, the sensitive contemporary architecture pays homage to the history of the building while offering views of the surrounding countryside and village.

Studio pottery recently on display by Tomoo Hamada, grandson of Shōji Hamada. Image: Rosie Powell

Any notable artistic connections?

In the early 20th century, Ditchling was home to the sculptor and letter cutter Eric Gill; it was where he founded the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic, a Catholic community dedicated to communal life and self-sufficiency. During its tenure, the guild championed all kinds of craft, from stone-carving and weaving to printing, and drew artists from across the world, including painter Frank Brangwyn and potter Shōji Hamada.

Traditional signwriting by signwriter Amy Goodwin  

Which exhibits are a must-see?

Get into the summer spirit with Signs of the Seaside, an exhibition that explores the history of pleasure-town typography, from Victorian advertisements encouraging families to take day trips by rail to the amusement arcades of Margate. We love the vibrancy of this show; among the highlights is a five-foot light-bulb-laden ‘R’ that once adorned the façade of Brighton’s Palace Pier, restored and reimagined by neon artist Andy Doig. Seen above is an example of the fine work by traditional signwriter Amy Goodwin.

Image: courtesy of Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft 

What’s on this month?

Encounter the physicality of craft with a tour around the museum’s dye garden, which is inspired by the work of pioneering weaver and natural dyer Ethel Mairet (1872–1952), who lived nearby. Featuring around 30 to 40 plants, it is designed as a living showcase and library. Learn about the many natural ways plants can colour textiles with expert gardeners on 29 July at 10.45am. 

Image: courtesy of Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft 

Make a day of it!

After enjoying the museum and sampling the delicious fare in the café (housed in a Grade II listed former 18th-century cart lodge), why not take a trip to the Oldland Windmill, known as ‘the oldest regularly working windmill in the UK’? Although only open on select days, it is a real treat to see a slice of history lovingly restored by the local community. For those fancying a more challenging walk, the National Trust trail to the woodland valley of Ashcombe Bottom offers unparalleled views of the countryside and glimpses of the sea.  
            

Here’s a fun fact…

The emblem of the St Dominic’s Press (the publishing arm of Eric Gill’s guild) is a hound with a flaming torch in its mouth. The symbol features in many surviving printed materials, including a rare carved woodblock by the artist and poet David Jones (1895–1974), which sits in the museum’s collection. The charismatic canine also adorns a range of posters, books and even jewellery, available for purchase in the museum shop. 

Find out more at ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk

Going local

Do you live close by – then why not join the local Arts Society?

Local Societies include:

The Arts Society Brighton & Hove theartssociety.org/brighton-hove

The Arts Society East Sussex eastsussexarts.org.uk

The Arts Society Uckfield, Lewes & Newick theartssociety.org/uckfield-lewes-newick

Upcoming lectures include A Detective Story: James Giles 1718–1780, a Decorator of Glass by Andy McConnell, glass specialist on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. Giles once created dazzling wares for the wealthiest clients, including royalty and Clive of India, yet died a pauper. This 27 September talk is organised by The Arts Society East Sussex.