Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft

Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft Award winning gem of a museum focusing on the artists and craftspeople who lived in the village.
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Ditchling became a centre for visual arts and crafts in the early 20th century. The museum holds a nationally important collection of works by the artists and craftsmen who were drawn to the village. Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft offers a unique environment to see the objects in the village they were made. Some of the artists associated with Ditchling and included in the Museum collection are Fr

ank Brangwyn, Eric Gill, Philip Hagreen, Edward Johnston, David Jones, Ethel Mairet and Hilary Pepler. The Museum reopened 21 September 2013 following a major refurbishment by Adam Richards Architects. A refurbished 18th Century cart lodge forms the entrance, café and shop and leads you to a beautiful new build made from engineered timber and then into the reimagined exhibition space.

🖐️ Exciting news! ⁠⁠We’re thrilled to be one of ten museums participating in The Sensational Museum, a pioneering progra...
25/07/2024

🖐️ Exciting news! ⁠

We’re thrilled to be one of ten museums participating in The Sensational Museum, a pioneering programme testing new access tools in real-world settings.⁠

As part of the project, we're looking for 6 co-creators who identify as being D/deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent to devise a brief for a new, multisensory display which relates to part of our collection. ⁠

The displays will be installed in the museum in spring 2025.⁠

Keen to get involved? Follow the link below for more information.⁠

https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/2024/07/25/be-part-of-something-sensational/

Calling all crafters! 🧶🧵⁠⁠Join us for Crafternoon, our free monthly drop-in, where you can work on your projects in a fr...
03/07/2024

Calling all crafters! 🧶🧵⁠

Join us for Crafternoon, our free monthly drop-in, where you can work on your projects in a friendly and welcoming environment.⁠

Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, biscuits, and great company. Crafternoon takes place monthly, usually on the last Thursday of the month, and everyone is welcome.⁠

Register for free at the link below, or simply drop by on the day.⁠

Next event: Thursday 25 July, 2pm - 4pm.⁠

https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/event/crafternoon-july/

Ditchling Village Fair takes place tomorrow 🎪 ⁠⁠This biannual tradition has been going since 1312 (yes, really!)⁠⁠In Med...
14/06/2024

Ditchling Village Fair takes place tomorrow 🎪 ⁠

This biannual tradition has been going since 1312 (yes, really!)⁠

In Medieval Ditchling, villagers were entertained by wrestling, bear baiting, and cockfighting. ⁠

Today, these old traditions are long gone, but there's plently to enjoy throughout the day with events like the Jack and Jill race and the village-wide scarecrow competition.⁠

If you're planning on attending, please note that the museum is partially closed for the day. The Cart Lodge Shop and Café and Introductory Gallery will be open for free, but the main galleries will be closed. ⁠

The roads will also be closed, so if you're heading into Ditchling be sure to check information on road closures before you set off. ⁠

Happy Ditchling Fair 🎉

🥾 As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, there's no better time to lace up your boots and really make the most o...
25/05/2024

🥾 As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, there's no better time to lace up your boots and really make the most of your visit to Ditchling.⁠

Be it an evening stroll around Lodge Hill or a hearty hike up Ditchling Beacon, we are surrounded by beautiful countryside just waiting to be explored.⁠

Follow the link below to download a selection of local walks within the South Downs National Park for free,⁠ and enjoy all that Ditchling and its surroundings has to offer.⁠

https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/walks

✨️ We're hiring!⁠⁠If you have excellent retail and visitor service skills we'd love to hear from you.⁠⁠🔸 15 hours per we...
22/05/2024

✨️ We're hiring!⁠

If you have excellent retail and visitor service skills we'd love to hear from you.⁠

🔸 15 hours per week (Wednesdays and Sundays, plus some additional bank holidays, days and evenings)⁠
🔸 £12 per hour (Real Living Wage)⁠
🔸 Apply by Thursday 20 June ⁠
⁠⁠
https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/support-us/jobs/

✨️ We're hiring! ⁠⁠Are you a brilliant communicator with digital skills and experience in the arts or heritage sector? ⁠...
04/04/2024

✨️ We're hiring! ⁠

Are you a brilliant communicator with digital skills and experience in the arts or heritage sector? ⁠

We’d love to hear from you!⁠

We are looking for a Digital Communications Co-ordinator to join our team.⁠ ⁠

🔸Part time⁠
🔸£25,480 FTE (pro rata - 14 hours per week)⁠
🔸Apply by Monday 29 April 2024⁠

Find the full job description and information on how to apply at the link below.

https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/support-us/jobs/

🥚 Here's a cracking idea to keep your little ones entertained this Easter... ⁠⁠With just a few simple supplies, you can ...
31/03/2024

🥚 Here's a cracking idea to keep your little ones entertained this Easter... ⁠

With just a few simple supplies, you can create some beautiful naturally dyed Easter eggs.⁠

This video is part of our lockdown series, Virtual Museum Club, where Claire Burns teaches easy craft activities using items found around the house.⁠

The series won silver in the Family Friendly Museum Awards 2020, and the best part? All the videos are still available for free!⁠

Follow the link below to watch the video, along with over 20 other straightforward, cost-free craft activities for children and families.⁠

https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/learning/virtual-museum-club/

📣 Tickets now on sale!⁠⁠Head to the link below to book for 'Bloomin' Brilliant: The Life and Work of Raymond Briggs'.⁠⁠O...
22/03/2024

📣 Tickets now on sale!⁠

Head to the link below to book for 'Bloomin' Brilliant: The Life and Work of Raymond Briggs'.⁠

Opening Saturday 27 April, 'Bloomin' Brilliant' brings together 30 items from the late author's estate with over 100 original artworks from his 60-year career, including The Snowman, Father Christmas and When the Wind Blows.⁠

A programme of creative workshops for all ages accompanies the show, giving you the chance to turn your hand to some core craft skills, including letterpress, illustration and printmaking. ⁠

Other events include John Vernon Lord and Chris Riddell sharing memories of their friend Raymond Briggs in two very special evening talks.⁠

'Bloomin' Brilliant: The Life and Work of Raymond Briggs' joins up with the acclaimed, currently touring show from Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, Raymond Briggs: A Retrospective.⁠ ⁠

The exhibition features original illustrations courtesy of Raymond Briggs’s Archive and Penguin Random House.⁠

⁠Illustration from Father Christmas Goes on Holiday © Raymond Briggs 1977, published by Puffin Books.⁠ ⁠

https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/event/bloomin-brilliant-the-life-and-work-of-raymond-briggs/

🌼 To celebrate the long awaited arrival of spring, we're giving away a free packet of woad or weld dye seeds with the pu...
20/03/2024

🌼 To celebrate the long awaited arrival of spring, we're giving away a free packet of woad or weld dye seeds with the purchase of any product from our natural dye range.⁠

The seeds, which have been harvested from our Dye Garden include growing instructions to help you get going on your natural dyeing journey.⁠

Follow the link to browse our range of books and supplies for all your natural dyeing needs.⁠

Happy growing!⁠

https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/category/natural-dyeing/

Happy Leap Day! ⁠⁠Today, we're gifted with 24 bonus hours thanks to the quirks of the Gregorian calendar. How will you m...
29/02/2024

Happy Leap Day! ⁠

Today, we're gifted with 24 bonus hours thanks to the quirks of the Gregorian calendar. How will you make the most of this extra time? ⁠

Back in the 1920s, the people of Ditchling opted for a night of dancing at the Village Hall.⁠

The poster for the event was printed by the St Dominic's Press, a private press founded by the printer, writer and poet Hilary Pepler.⁠

Tickets were a steal at two shillings and six pence, with prizes up for grabs - perhaps for the most skilled dancer or best-dressed attendee!

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Professor Phil Baines on Friday 19 January 2024. Phil will be fondly re...
22/01/2024

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Professor Phil Baines on Friday 19 January 2024. Phil will be fondly remembered for his work at Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, his commitment to teaching and his boundless enthusiasm for typography.⁠

The reimagined Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft was opened by Sir Nicholas Serota, Director of Tate, on 20 September 2013 after a major refurbishment. To accompany the museum development, a new identity was designed by Phil Baines, Professor of Typography, University of the Arts, London.⁠

Born in Kendal, Cumbria in 1958, Phil originally undertook Roman Catholic priesthood at Ushaw College, Durham, and this time shaped Phil’s approach to typography and design throughout his career. ⁠

The influence of medieval manuscripts, typographic detailing and letterpress are celebrated in Phil’s work, and bring a smile to visitors at the museum daily.⁠

Phil’s unique approach to typography helped shape the identity and aims of the museum and is an integral part of who we are.⁠

You will be very much missed Phil.⁠

The DMAC team.

Don't forget - you have until the end of January to submit your application to our 2024 Natural Dyeing Course.⁠⁠Run by J...
17/01/2024

Don't forget - you have until the end of January to submit your application to our 2024 Natural Dyeing Course.⁠

Run by Jenny Dean and Jacqui Symons, the course will offer in-depth insight into how to prepare and use natural dyes to dye both animal and vegetable fibres such as wool, silk, linen and cotton. ⁠

Participants will be taught how to follow best practices to produce a full spectrum of consistent, reliable colours as well as learning a wide range of mordanting and dyeing techniques.⁠

Image from our 2017 project 'Dyeing Now'. ⁠

https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/natural_dyeing_course_2024/

Indigo was the dye that captured Hilary Bourne's heart and inspired her to create her own weaving studio over 90 years a...
10/01/2024

Indigo was the dye that captured Hilary Bourne's heart and inspired her to create her own weaving studio over 90 years ago.⁠

Weaver Poppy Fuller Abbott took inspiration from Bourne's love of indigo when making a new commission for Double Weave, which you can see on display in the museum.

If you're also enamoured by indigo, why not join Poppy for a weekend masterclass on the dye on Sat 3 - Sun 4 Feb? ⁠

Follow the link to book (there are just a couple of spaces left so don't hang about!)⁠

https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/event/indigo-dyeing-and-weaving/

🎄 Happy Christmas from all of us at Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft!Our Lady of the Hills (1924) by David Jones (1895–19...
25/12/2023

🎄 Happy Christmas from all of us at Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft!

Our Lady of the Hills (1924) by David Jones (1895–1974)
Oil on canvas
Collection: Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft

📣 We've got a bloomin' brilliant announcement to make!⁠⁠✏️ A new exhibition is coming to Ditchling next year, featuring ...
20/12/2023

📣 We've got a bloomin' brilliant announcement to make!⁠

✏️ A new exhibition is coming to Ditchling next year, featuring never-seen-before items and artworks from one of the UK's most beloved author illustrators.⁠

🌟 Bloomin’ Brilliant: The Life and Work of Raymond Briggs will open 27 April 2024.⁠

The exhibition will showcase 30 items from the late author's estate and over 100 original artworks spanning his 60-year career, including iconic titles like The Snowman (1978), Father Christmas (1973), Fungus the Bogeyman (1977), and When the Wind Blows (1982).⁠

Don't miss this personal glimpse into the Briggs world, complete with his writing and drawing desk, framed Private Eye edition riffing on his most iconic work, and a pair of cupboard doors featuring life-sized paintings of his parents Ethel and Ernest.⁠

The exhibition joins up with an acclaimed show from Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration (Raymond Briggs: A Retrospective) and is the first specifically curated show following the death of the author, who lived just a mile down the road from the museum.⁠

👀 Keep your eyes peeled for more info and tickets in the new year!⁠

www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/event/bloomin-brilliant-the-life-and-work-of-raymond-briggs/

🎁 If you need a present for the creative soul in your life, how about gifting them our online course - 'Introduction to ...
17/12/2023

🎁 If you need a present for the creative soul in your life, how about gifting them our online course - 'Introduction to Uncial Calligraphy' led by the incredible Ewan Clayton?

Master calligrapher Ewan guides the beginner through each stage of uncial calligraphy, covering everything you need to get started with this ancient craft.

Place your order by 18 December to receive the materials pack in time for Christmas. Don't forget to select 'send as gift' at checkout! 🖋️✨

https://bit.ly/47WgwI2

⏰️ Time is ticking!⁠⁠You have until midnight on Monday 18 December to place your online orders for Christmas delivery.⁠⁠...
15/12/2023

⏰️ Time is ticking!⁠

You have until midnight on Monday 18 December to place your online orders for Christmas delivery.⁠

Running behind? Click and Collect orders can be picked up from the museum until Friday 22 December.⁠

Shop our wide range of products by independent makers plus exclusive items inspired by our collection at the link below.

https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/shop/

It’s back! Our prestigious Natural Dye course is returning in 2024, and applications are officially open.  ⁠⁠Spanning 12...
12/12/2023

It’s back! Our prestigious Natural Dye course is returning in 2024, and applications are officially open. ⁠

Spanning 12 sessions over six months from April to September, this instructive course will guide participants in the preparation and use of natural dyes for colouring animal and vegetable fibres, including wool, silk, linen, and cotton. ⁠

The course will be taught by Jacqui Symons with additional input from Jenny Dean, and tuition in contact printing techniques from creative textile artist Ross Belton. ⁠

Limited to nine participants, individuals must complete an application form to express their interest.

Two positions are reserved for those in the early stages of their practice or on low income, priced at £375. The remaining seven positions are available at £675. ⁠

For full details, follow the link below.

https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/natural_dyeing_course_2024/

❄️ It's been getting pretty chilly out there, so why not hunker down and create something beautiful for a loved one (or ...
08/12/2023

❄️ It's been getting pretty chilly out there, so why not hunker down and create something beautiful for a loved one (or yourself) to while away the chilly nights?

In addition to our popular Bourne jumper knitting pattern, we now have a hand warmer pattern available featuring the museum's iconic + symbol.

Perfect as a stash buster project for those with leftover wool after making the jumper, or as a starter project for the slightly less intrepid knitter, the hand warmer pattern can be download from our website for just £4 or you can buy the printed pattern for £5.

Both patterns have been created by Museum Knits.

📮 Plus, today is the last day to place your orders for international delivery outside of the UK before Christmas, so don't hang about!⁠

www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/category/double-weave

Find us in the town The Times named one of the UK’s prettiest for Christmas shopping, this Thursday!⁠⁠We'll be popping u...
05/12/2023

Find us in the town The Times named one of the UK’s prettiest for Christmas shopping, this Thursday!⁠

We'll be popping up at Lewes Late Night Shopping with a selection of our exclusive products including prints, stationery, homewares and these brand new Christmas cards which feature designs reproduced from woodblocks by Philip Hagreen (1890-1988) and Dunstan Pruden (1907-1974). ⁠

There's so much for you to discover on the night - meet local makers, explore the town's much loved independent stores, enjoy some live music and maybe have a mulled wine (or two!) 🍷⁠

Find us with The Makers Directory at Station Street Studio, 26A Station Street, BN7 2DB ⁠

🎄Thursday 7 Dec⁠
🎄6pm - 9pm⁠
🎄Station Street Studio, Lewes⁠

🌟Can't make it? Shop our full range online.⁠

www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/category/christmas/

🕊️ On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me... ⁠⁠This unique item is a reproduction of an advent calendar h...
30/11/2023

🕊️ On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me... ⁠

This unique item is a reproduction of an advent calendar held in our collection.⁠

Designed by Barbara Allen in 1953 for Time and Tide magazine, the calendar features beautiful illustrations from 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' behind each window.⁠

We have a limited number of these special reproductions available in our shop and online for just £14.99.⁠

Wondering when to start the holiday countdown? That’s up to you! Traditionally the first day is on Christmas Day and the twelfth day is 6th January.⁠

But, if you want to open the last window on Christmas Day you will need to open the first window on 14th December. You choose!⁠

Thanks to our friends King And McGaw for helping us bring Barbara's creation to life. We think she would approve.⁠

https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/shop/christmas/twelve-days-of-christmas-advent-calendar/

Why not ditch Black Friday and support DMAC this weekend? ⁠⁠Retail plays a huge role in helping the museum survive and t...
23/11/2023

Why not ditch Black Friday and support DMAC this weekend? ⁠

Retail plays a huge role in helping the museum survive and thrive. And at this time of year, we’re competing with some of the biggest retailers in the world, including global conglomerates like Amazon. ⁠

As a registered charity, all profits from our shop go straight back into the work we do here at the museum, so it's a great way to support us whilst getting your Christmas shopping done (and not giving money to billionaires!) ⁠

This weekend we’ll be popping up in Brighton, plus, purchases in-store and online this Sunday will come with special perks thanks to Museum Shop Sunday! ⁠

🎄 Find us at Brighton Dome Corn Exchange for MADE Brighton Fri 24 – Sun 26 Nov. We’re the official museum partner! We’ll have a special selection of exclusive products, plus 2-for-1 vouchers for museum entry to anyone who stops by our stall. ⁠

🎄 Spend over £30 in our museum shop on Sun 26 Nov and you’ll get two free museum entry tickets, to use on the day or any time before 31 March 2024. ⁠

🎄 Spend over £30 on our online shop on Sun 26 Nov and you’ll get a free Ditchling Leaf Exercise Book.⁠

https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/2023/11/21/ditch-black-friday-for-dmac/

Fancy joining our lovely team?We're recruiting a Visitor Services Assistant to work 15 hours a week. This is a key custo...
16/11/2023

Fancy joining our lovely team?

We're recruiting a Visitor Services Assistant to work 15 hours a week.

This is a key customer facing role for someone who wants to work in a busy and exciting environment.

Click the link below to find out more, and be sure to get your application in by 30 November.

https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/get-involved/jobs/

Exciting news... Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft is the official museum partner of MADE Brighton 2023! ⁠🎉⁠⁠Brighton’s lo...
15/11/2023

Exciting news... Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft is the official museum partner of MADE Brighton 2023! ⁠🎉⁠

Brighton’s longstanding designer maker fair returns to Brighton Dome Corn Exchange following its major restoration, and we’re thrilled to be part of the three-day event. ⁠

We'll be presenting an exclusive selection of products at the fair, including brand new Christmas cards featuring woodblock printed designs from our collection by Philip Hagreen.

Visitors will also find a range of homewares from our award-winning shop, alongside our very special Cambridge Imprint stationery range. ⁠

As well as being amongst the first to see our new products, visitors to our stand will get a voucher for 2 for 1 entry to the museum and a discount for our online shop. ⁠

We hope to see you there! ⁠

▫️Made Brighton | 24-26 November ⁠
▫️Fri + Sat 10:30-5:30 | Sun 10:30-5 ⁠
▫️Brighton Dome - Corn Exchange, BN1 1UE ⁠
▫️Follow the link below for more info and tickets⁠

https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/2023/11/15/dmac-teams-up-with-made-brighton/

01/11/2023

⚠️ STORM CIARÁN CLOSURE ⚠️

The museum will be closed tomorrow, Thursday 2 November due to the amber weather alert in place for Storm Ciarán. All ticket holders will be contacted.

We expect to be open as usual from Friday 3 November.

🪩 What does the word Lurex conjure up for you? ⁠⁠The iconic metallic thread was a staple of 1970's disco, but it was twe...
01/11/2023

🪩 What does the word Lurex conjure up for you? ⁠

The iconic metallic thread was a staple of 1970's disco, but it was twenty years prior that Hilary Bourne began working with the shimmering yarn to make these delicate stoles. ⁠

We're not exactly sure who commissioned Bourne to produce the pieces, but her notes indicate they were made for an American distributor, circa 1953. An interview with Tanya Harrod eludes to an enigmatic American man introducing her to the shimmering modern filament. ⁠

Developed by the Dobeckmun company in the USA, the haute couture yarn was positioned as a high end luxury item. Bourne's experimentation with Lurex proceeded its use by great post-war designers including Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and Hubert de Givenchy.⁠

See these spectacular shimmering pieces in Double Weave: Bourne and Allen's Modernist Textiles, which runs until 14 April 2024.⁠

www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/event/double-weave/

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Lodge Hill Lane
Ditchling
BN68SP

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