“ I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”

WHILE YOU ARE HERE…

What could be better than combining a day or two exploring your own creativity with seeking inspiration from some of the arty gems locally? East Sussex has long been a haven for artists and writers, and we are blessed with a number of wonderful places to visit less than an hour’s drive from our home base at The Bell in Ticehurst. Retreat from the everyday and treat yourself to a night or two at The Bell, which is an inspiration in itself. See accommodation for details of our exclusive room rates. Below are details of some favourite local spots, simply click on the name in orange to be taken to their website. It is unlikely any will be open to the public before April 2021 but once The Bell opens they will be too.

This corner of East Sussex attracted a vibrant bohemian and avant-guard community. Virginia Woolf, her sister Vanessa Bell and their entourage established their creative hub at Charleston Farmhouse, a place that inspires what we offer at Curious House. I am so enthralled with all that Charleston represents and the people who were a part of the Bloomsbury Group, I cannot recommend a visit highly enough.  And if you happen there on a glorious day take a walk along the ancient footpaths to the pretty village of Firle, straight out of central casting, in one direction and Berwick Church in the other, home of stunning murals painted by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant.

Virginia and Leonard Woolf’s beautiful cottage and garden, Monk’s House, in nearby Rodmell is owned by the National Trust and open to the public. 

Surrealist photographer, Vogue model and WWII correspondent, Lee Miller is one of the most fascinating figures of 20th-century photography. She lived with her husband, Roland Penrose, at Farleys Farmhouse in Chiddingly. Roland was a prominent Surrealist painter, photographer, poet and biographer of Picasso, Miró, Man Ray and Tàpies. Their house and garden is a testament to their love of life and art.

Conveniently situated between Charleston, Monks House and Farleys Farmhouse is my favourite local town, Lewes. There are various small independent galleries and a host of interesting and independent shops. It is the home of the original Bill’s restaurant and I have often spotted the man himself, and his trusty dog, as he still keeps an eye on the place. There is a positive cornucopia of antique and brocante shops, often many within one shop front, selling everything you want and probably nothing you need. 

Hastings Contemporary Gallery is nestled amongst the iconic fishermen’s huts in this busy seaside town. A relatively new gallery, it celebrates the best in modern and contemporary art and hosts an ambitious programme of temporary exhibitions. I can thoroughly recommend their café which looks out over Europe’s largest beach-launched fishing fleet – a marvel to watch.

For a more traditional collection housed in the magnificent Durbar Hall, visit the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery. Bequeathed to the town by the wealthy Brassey family, there is fascination to be found within their walls. Free entry and free parking are a bonus.

While you are in Hastings don’t miss out on the quirky shops to be found in the Old Town and in St Leonard’s. There are lots of great places to eat but for beach informality, I love The Goat Ledge café on the prom’ towards St Leonards. The new Hastings pier has had its share of controversy, but it is an architectural gem and well worth a wander out to sea.

Rye is a pretty historic town to visit with its cobbled streets and higgledy-piggeldy houses. There are a number of rather good galleries selling art but if you only visit one make it The Rye Art Gallery, which is a trust. They have a permanent collection and also sell contemporary artwork by artists and makers working in all manner of styles and media. If you have good legs and a head for heights do climb to the top of the tower of St Mary’s Parish Church, set in a delightful square of ancient houses. From here the river Rother and the marshes beyond open up, a rather wonderful vision of the local geography. 

The Towner Gallery in Eastbourne holds a collection of almost 500 works of modern British art in its bright contemporary building. The gallery also boasts the most significant body of work by Eric Ravilious who lived in nearby Seaford. I am particularly fond of his woodcut work and the muted colour palette he used - very evocative of the time. 

A little further along the coast is the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill. This iconic modernist building hosts contemporary exhibitions including famously Antony Gormley’s statues on the roof and many world-class music concerts. Describing itself as a “democratic space for art, culture and recreation” the building alone is worth a visit and the café has great views over the promenade to the sea beyond. 

Closer to home, just down the A21 in Robertsbridge and along a farm track, is The Black Shed gallery overlooking hop fields amongst converted farm buildings. The gallery showcases the work of some of the most renowned artists based on the south coast and is worth calling in on.

People from far and wide beat a path to Sonia’s tiny emporium in Ticehurst, The Old Haberdashery, well worth checking out. Last but not least we are blessed with two lovely local galleries. Greenfinch in Ticehurst and Wing gallery in Wadhurst, are just a few miles along the road. Both are run by very jolly people who make you very welcome whether you want to simply browse or buy.

For more information on what’s on local visit visit1066country.com/things-to-do/