Chiddingly Artists Open Houses

Chiddingly Festival has reached its 32nd year. This years programme, which began on Thursday 23rd September and concludes on Sunday 3rd October, includes comedy, jazz, poetry and pantomime. Find out more details by visiting their website here.

Here, I an going to detail just one aspect of the festival, the art on display as part of Chiddingly Artists Open House and Studios.

Farley Farm in Muddles Green is home to Farley’s Barn Gallery which has on display sample work from all of the artists involved. It works as an introduction to the open houses.

The idea being that after a taste of each artists work you can then visit the artists that catch your eye in their homes or studios to see the full range of their work. You can even walk from studio to studio.

The Chiddingly Artists Open House events run for the two weekends 25/26th September & 2/3rd October. Approximate times studios will be open for visits are from 11am-5pm.

Chris Mansell, a teacher from Sussex Downs College, organised the event last year but had to pull out this year due to work commitments so Sidney Chambers stepped in to take over the organising.

He said “We thought it would be a good idea for their to be a focal point for all the artists and Farley’s Barn Gallery provides that. All of the artists have clubbed together to advertise and the Gallery here provides an introduction to each of our art. From here visitors can go onto explore the individual studios that take their fancy in more depth.”

“We have 35 artists, which is more than double last year and we think we can make more noise as a group. We have been very fortunate to receive sponsorship from local businesses too."

"I am always surprised by the range of people who show an interest in our art. There is no uniformity and the gallery is attractive to anyone with an interest in visual arts and you can talk to the artists at their studio and buy directly from them at a lower price.”

The gallery showcases a huge range of art. Areas presented include photography, textiles, jewellery, batiks, painting, sculpture, woodturning, ceramics and more. There are also a collection of Lee Miller’s photographs.

Here is a full list of the Open houses and studios that make up the event and some contact details:-

1 - Graywood Eaves, East Hoathly - 01825 872383 exhibiting painting, pottery and drawing by Barbie Harrison, Dave Harrison and Julian Le Bas.

2 - The King’s Head, East Hoathly - 01825 840238 exhibiting painting by Trish MacCourt.

3 - The Workshop, East Hoathly - 01825 840225 exhibiting photography and glass bead making by Rebecca Weddell and Jim Holden.

4 - Mary Potter Studio, Laughton - 01825 840438 - Batik/Collage by Mary Potter.

5 - Parsonage Farm, Chidingly - 01825 872226 - Painting, drawing and decorative ceramics by Lesley Robertshaw, Allison Slater, Rosemary Newton, Robert Nagle and Yolande Beer.

6 - High Pastures, East Hoathly - 01825 872524 - Textiles and jewellery by Louise Turner-Creasey and Caroline Reynolds.

7 - The Quadrangle and Long Cottage Studio, East Hoathly - 01825 873477 - Painting - David Armitage, Val Mclean & Sam Paradela, photography - Roy Broad & Jon Hounsell, picture books - Ronda Armitage, textiles - Franziska Wieser, jewellery - Anne Hill, woodturning - Caroline Dorling, textile sculpture - Paola McClure, ceramics - Sylph Baier and collage prints by Jane Robbins.

Christian Funnell, Chris Pellett and Stephanie Davies Arai have created a sculpture trail.

8 - The Gun Pub & Restaurant - Chidingly - 01825 872361 - Michel Franks - Photography

9 - Hale Farm House, Chidingly - 01825 872619 - Photography by Laura Morgan and painting by Karen North-Row and friends.

10 - Farley’s Barn Gallery, Muddles Green - 01825 872856 - Sidney Chambers painting and drawing and an introduction to all of the open houses.

Farley Farm House - A personal encounter with the lives and art of Roland Penrose, Lee Miller and friends.

There is an amazing amount of talent gathered together here and it really is worth a good look, even if you have no more than a passing interest in art.