Artists in Lewes
Lewes is home to many artists, designers, makers and independent art galleries. Regular events include the annual Artwave Festival each September with work displayed from artists all over the area. There are many local galleries and creative events. We are currently preparing to write about local artists in a regular “Lewesians Unwrapped” series. If you’d like to promote your work, exhibitions and events get in touch with us at team@leweshub.org.uk.
Artists have always been drawn to the area, perhaps attracted by the South Downs and wonderful landscapes. Charleston nearby was home to the creative Bloomsbury Set (this link is to BBC article on how the Bloomsbury Set unbuttoned Britain). The Charleston Festival in May always has a host of interesting talks and creative events. Booking for the 2025 Festival has already started.
Galleries in Lewes
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
Two current exhibitions running to March 2025: ‘Collecting Modernism: Pablo Picasso to Winifred Nicholson‘ and ‘Grayson Perry: A Temple for Everyone‘. For details and to book tickets see website.
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.
Art Festivals and Events
Lewes Creatives
A collective of talented artists & makers with regular exhibitions. See Lewes Creatives to find out more about artists and designers living and working in Lewes and to keep up to date with future events.
Artwave Festival
Runs in September each year where local artists display their work in venues in and around Lewes. See Artwave to sign up.
Art lovers – why not stay in Lewes and after visiting the Lewes galleries, including Charleston in Lewes Gallery enjoy an art trail along theSouth 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.
