Arts And Crafts In Sussex

The Arts & Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th century is very well represented in the Brighton area of Sussex, with a series of museums, houses, churches and galleries demonstrating the core artistic, design and architectural values of this inspirational and influential movement. Some of the highlights of the area are explored on this superb tour in the company of renowned experts, Prof. Anne and Dr Scott Anderson.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at the Holiday Inn Brighton Waterfront from 15.00
This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and a talk from Prof. Anne Anderson - 'The Arts & Crafts Home'.

Day 2: St Michael and All Angels Church, Brighton Art Gallery, and St Margaret's Church, Rottingdean
Our first visit of the day is to the Grade I listed St Michael and All Angels Church to view the stunning interior including the chancel roof which was painted by William Morris, Philip Webb and Charles Faulkner. The large windows on the western face of the church were also made and installed by Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co., as well as many stained-glass windows by Morris and Burne-Jones throughout the old and new sections of the church building. Our next visit of the day is to the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery to view the excellent collection of European and World ceramics, glass, costume and artefacts, including works by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, C A Voysey and others. After free time for lunch (not included) we head to Rottingdean village for a walking tour and visit the St Margaret's Church to admire the beautiful stained-glass windows which were designed by Edward Burne-Jones, and made by William Morris & Co. The Burne-Jones family lived across the village green from the church, as did Rudyard Kipling. This evening a second talk from Anne entitled 'The Arts & Crafts Utopia' and dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Standen House and Charleston Farm House, Lewes
This morning we head north to Standen House, home to the Beale family, designed by leading Arts & Crafts architect, Philip Webb. This lovely house, a fine example of the movement and set in lovely hillside gardens, was built as a thoroughly modern home, with central heating and electricity and retains its original - and beautiful - Morris & Co interiors. After free time for lunch (not included) we head to the Charleston, the modernist home and studio of Bloomsbury Group painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, who transformed it into an artistic haven by decorating nearly every surface with their artwork. We have an introductory talk on arrival then time to discover how they conserve and maintain their collection and absorb the unique atmosphere of this living, breathing work of art. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 40 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Two nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Holiday Inn Brighton Waterfront, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception
• Private three-course dinner with wine
• Second dinner at the hotel
• All talks, guided tours and admissions
• Coach touring itinerary and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Hotel Car Parking
• Holiday insurance
• Double room for sole use supplement - £130
• Extra nights on a bed & breakfast basis
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Holiday Inn Brighton Waterfront

Located right on the seafront in Brighton just a short stroll from the pier, the four-star Holiday Inn Brighton Waterfront offers bar (with lovely sea views), restaurant, and WIFI. The bedrooms are modern with en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, TV, telephone and wifi.  

Underground car parking is available at the hotel on a first come, first served basis and charged at £25 per night, payable directly at the hotel.

Hotel Website

MORE INFO  - Please click here for more tour information

YOUR EXPERT TOUR LECTURERS

Professor Anne Anderson

With a first degree in archaeology and a PhD in English, Anne was a senior lecturer in Art and Design History at Southampton Solent University for 14 years from 1993 to 2007. She specializes in the Aesthetic Movement, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Modernism. She has published several books, including The Perseus Series, which accompanied the Edward Burne-Jones exhibition held at Tate Britain (2018), and Art Nouveau Architecture (2020). She has also published over 50 articles in respected academic journals.

Anne has curated four national exhibitions, mostly recently Beyond the Brotherhood The Pre-Raphaelite Legacy (2019-20). American fellowships held include the Huntington Library, CA and the American Antiquarian Society, MA. She has lectured for The Arts Society, The Art Fund, the V&A Learning Academy, the National Trust and Christies’. Her career as an international speaker has taken her all over the world, including Spain, Germany, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. She undertook her sixth lecture tour for Arts National Australia in 2024. She has also lectured on several cruise ships, Swan Hellenic’s Minerva, the Spirit of Adventure and the Hebridean.

Anne has received a rapturous response from our travellers at the UK lectures and tours, as well as a host of tours overseas, and her knowledge, wit and enthusiasm bring her beloved subjects to life in whatever location she finds them.

Dr Scott Anderson

Scott is a University Senior Lecturer in the History of Art and Design and is an Honorary Fellow of the National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers. He is a specialist in Victorian and Edwardian art, architecture and antiques and is a consultant expert for the BBC2 'Flog It!' programme.

Scott is an Accredited Lecturer of The Arts Society and has lectured extensively to various societies, special interest groups and educational groups throughout Britain. He has extensive tour guiding experience in Britain, European locations such as Paris, Berlin, Vienna and New York.