Art Galleries
Lewes is home to many artists, crafts people, designers which is reflected in the large number of independent art galleries and creative businesses. The Charleston Festival in May (just outside Lewes) includes art exhibitions and workshops. Lewes now has a Charleston Gallery in the town near Lewes station with regular exhibitions and events, many celebrating the Bloomsbury set who lived here in the South Downs. If you are visiting Lewes, make sure you go into the town and visit the local galleries and enjoy not just the galleries but the creative shops and cafes.
Art Gallery Listings
Visit Charleston in Lewes which has just been granted a new 25 year lease and has an exciting new programme of exhibitions. Then explore the very many independent art galleries and designer shops in Lewes town centre or follow an art trail along the South coast. Image © Lee-Robbins
Chalk Gallery
Chalk Gallery is an artist run gallery offering affordable fine art, original printmaking, glass and ceramics. Chalk Gallery is devoted to promoting the artists and their work rather than for profit.
Charleston in Lewes
Charleston in Lewes is right in the town and has two galleries, a shop with books and artwork celebrating the work of the Bloomsbury set, and a cafe. See also Charleson in Firle.
Meiklejohn Gallery
Meiklejohn Gallery is an exciting exhibition space for emerging and established artists running a diverse programme, exhibiting solo and group exhibitions of contemporary craft, print, sculpture and paintings.
Star Pottery
Mohamed Hamid and his associates produce a range of handmade, high quality tableware, an extensive range of personalized items and offer a wide range of pottery courses. Workshops are also run for children. Star Pottery for details
The Sussex Guild
Set in an imposing Elizabethan house overlooking Grange Gardens, this lovely shop sells fine contemporary craft, jewellery, furniture, ceramics, woodwork, printmaking, textiles, metalwork, glassware and more. View online shop
Star Brewery Gallery
Star Brewery Gallery has a history of hosting exhibitions by local, regional, national and international artists and of showcasing both established artists and up-and-coming talented artists, photographers and makers.
Lansdown Gallery
Sarah Burges creates dramatic seascapes, landscapes and vibrant floral displays embodied in breathtaking large-scale paintings and enchanting hand-tufted rugs. See post for more and visit the Gallery in Lansdown Place. Sarah Burges
Lewes Creatives
An online collective of talented artists & makers with regular exhibitions. See Lewes Creatives online gallery to find out more about artists and designers living and working in Lewes and to keep up to date with future events.
Skylark Gallery
In the historic Needlemakers, and one of the many independent Lewes shops since 2006 – combines a bookshop with a gallery. Website
Regular Arts Festivals
Charleston Festival
Charleston in Firle, once home to the famous Bloomsbury set, runs an annual Arts Festival with a two week programme of speakers, workshops and exhibitions. Runs May and booking now. See also Charleson in Lewes.
Artwave Festival 2025
Lewes Arts Festival, Artwave, takes place in September each year. Artists from all over the area display their work. See Artwave Festival
image by Sarah Burges
Art Trails from Lewes
Art lovers – why not stay in Lewes and after visiting the Lewes galleries, including Charleston in Lewes Gallery enjoy an art trail along the South Coast? From Lewes take the train to Eastbourne (Towner Gallery) Bexhill, De La Warr and Hasting for the Contemporary). See also Charleston in Firle, Farleys House and Gallery in Chiddlingly where you can find out more about the life and art of of Lee Miller and the film ‘Lee’ starring Kate Winslett.
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