The Sussex Guild originated over forty years ago when several craftsmen decided to form a self-help group in order to promote the excellence of their own craft skills and design. Today the Sussex Guild has around 100 professional designer makers of fine contemporary and traditional craftwork; members live and work in Sussex or in the adjoining counties of Kent, Surrey and Hampshire. To be accepted a member’s work has to pass a vigorous assessment before a selection committee who are looking for high standards of design, innovation and craftsmanship. Current members work in a variety of disciplines; these are ceramics, furniture, glass, jewellery, leather, metal, printmaking, textiles and wood. We still hold true to our founding principle, “to be a community of mutually supporting, individual craftspeople”.
Our members organise a series of shows across East and West Sussex throughout the year, here they are able to display and sell their work while meeting the public. These shows are arranged for the members’ benefit, and are a true reflection of our mutual self-help ethos. The venue for each Guild show is especially chosen; these could be the grounds of a beautiful country house and/or a place of artistic or historic interest.
For those visiting Lewes the Sussex Guild has a permanent base in the Shop & Gallery at Southover Grange, Southover Rd, Lewes BN7 1TP. Here, in a historic setting, the work of over thirty members is on show and for sale. A member of the Guild is always on duty to give advice on any items or Guild matters. The Shop is open 364 days a year from 10 am to 5 pm. At the Shop & Gallery is the Event Room, where a variety of craft workshops, courses and talks take place. This fulfils our other core aim: “to preserve and stimulate awareness and appreciation of craft skills”. All details about the Event Room and the workshops can be obtained from the Guild Shop & Gallery, by phone 01273 479565 (between 10 am to 5 pm) or at: www.thesussexguild.co.uk

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