Things to do in Brighton for the Art Lover

Things to do in Brighton for the Art Lover

There's plenty of things to do in Brighton for the art lover so no art lover should ever feel neglected in the city! Ranging from the non-controvertial at the city's art gallery via the wealth of galleries representing both old and new talent through to the pure avant garde, it can all be found somewhere in Brighton. However, a 'What's on in Brighton Guide' might well miss out some of the more-interesting bits for the art lover, so it's up to you to take a good look around for yourself as the Brighton info that you're seeking is there but perhaps a bit hidden.

The Cinema as it Was
If you love cinema that comes from anywhere but Hollywood, The Duke of York Picture House supplies a regular menu of art-house cinema. This cinema was one of the first in the world but caters for the modern cinema goer by providing seats to sink into and a glass of wine and cake. it's just the thing for a nostalgic, enjoyable night out at the flics as they should be. You can't really miss the place if you look for an large pair of legs on the roof!

Brighton's Museum and Art Gallery
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, the city's main museum, has recently been extensively remodelled. You can find it in the Pavilion Gardens, right next to the Royal Pavilion and it has excellent disabled access and comprehensive educational facilities in an educational pavilion. The recently-opened new galleries strengthen its focus on the lives of the local population but its collections overall are a reflection of both local and national interest. The Theatre Royal is strongly represented in a special exhibition - Stagestruck – which celebrates its 200-year history and this forms one of the local attractions in the museum. This particular display features photographs and prints, accompanied by costumes and props and a number of fascinating reconstructions of special effects which were used in the 19th century theatre.

The museum's main galleries are: Fine Art, Fashion and Style, 20th-Century Art and Design, Mr Willet's Popular Pottery, World Art and Discovery, Images of Brighton, Body and Performance. The museum is open year round but closed on Mondays (except public holidays.

Art of Our Time
If it's contemporary art which you're seeking this is available in Brighton at Ocontemporary, an exilarating contemporary art space. Here, there's an eclectic mix of tastes, which has ranged in previous exhibitions from Andy Warhol to Tracy Emin. The main viewing space is some 1200 sq ft and houses exhibitions which change on a 7-8-week cycle featuring the best of contemporary art. The displays feature original paintings and photography along with sculpture and limited-edition prints. This is a commercial venue and all the items on display are available for sale - so you should come along armed with your cheque book or loads of cash! Such excellent art shows are not M & S however, so. if M&S is your idea of Brighton shopping, sew up your pockets before entering.

Art and the Artist
If you'd rather get close to your artists then there's the chance to do so in the Bohemian Artist's Corner. Situated under some small Victorian arches on the seafront, this contains an eclectic collection of works of art and it's displayed in a group of odd-shaped studios where there's also an opportunity to get a cup of tea and a bun while wandering through a wonderland of art.

The Museum at Ditching
The village of Ditchling has a unique claim to fame as it was the setting of the village, which sits in the downs, and because of its tranquil, timeless rural way of life drew many notable artists such as Ethel Mairet, Eric Gill, David Jones, and Edward Johnston to make their home in the village. In Ditchling, which is to be found a little to the north of Brighton, near Hassocks, is the museum with its collection which illustrates both local life and the work of this group of artists who lived in the village in the early 20th century. The international recognition of these artists led to the village gaining a reputation as a leading centre for print, calligraphy, weaving and many other crafts. The museum itself is housed in a converted Victorian school building and is crammed with artifacts, paintings and sculpture by its famous local residents as well as the day-to-day items which reflect agriculture and domestic history from this area. In addition to the static display, there are lectures, workshops and guided walks which are organised by the museum. The Museum opens from early March until the middle of December from Tuesday-Saturday and Bank Holiday Mondays – from 10.30am-5.00pm on the weekdays and 2.00pm-5.00pm on Sundays. Free parking is available close by.

The Ultimate Art DIY Experience

If you like your art to be accompanied by some sweat then you can get the opportunity to get down to it at Hands-On pottery. Here, you can start with an amorphous lump of clay and transform it into a masterpiece - and all under the watchfull eye of an expert. If the clay is a trip too far back to nature, you can start with a ready-made piece and decorate this to add the masterful touches which change it into a work of art. There's more details here - Hands-On Pottery

Art Everywhere
Art really is everywhere in Brighton and there's a couple of dozen galleries in and around town. A lot of the specialist museums, such as The Mechanical Memories Museum, The Fisheries Museum and The Model Museum contain pieces of art which are associated with their specialisation. In addition, each of the specialist art venues hold their own individual shows so, if you're seeking out the Brighton event of the year, you'll really have to keep an eye open for current events. You needn't fear, however, Brighton will not fail you and whatever you're looking for, you'll find it somewhere!

As well as all the commercial galleries, Brighton's own university has its own exhibition space. This is located in Grand Parade and it's used to display both their own students' work and to put on special exhibitions which showcase contemporary art.

The Prince's Brighton Escape: The Royal Pavilion

To many visiors, The Royal Pavilion is spectacular - and that's it! It's a spectacle. However, to the art lover, it's much more than that. It's a complete, integrated work of art on a massive scale. It has its detractors - of course - but they are viewing through a slit which filters out all but their favoured genre - be it classical or ultra contemporary. The Royal Pavililion is certainly not just a kitch eastern wedding cake of a building but something which needs to be looked at with unbiased eyes which will take in both the concept and the detail of the building and judge it - if they have to - on its conception and execution. At the same time, they will need to appreciate the skill and art expended in bringing back to life this symbol of a past age. For more on The Royal Pavilion, click here... Royal Pavilion