Easter Artist in Residence
Pelham House has always had a strong commitment to the arts and it has become a Pelham House tradition to invite an artist to be ‘Artist in Residence’ at the hotel over the Easter weekend.
In 2009, painter and sculptor Malcolm West joined us and in 2010, Tom Walker produced a lovely chalk drawing inspired by the hotel - this can be viewed at the bottom of the stairs in reception. Watch this space for the announcement of this year’s artist.
As well as our six weekly exhibition programme in the bar, restaurant and foyer, we exhibit work throughout the hotel on a semi permanent basis.
Around the upper floors of the hotel you will find paintings and prints by artists who are on semi permanent display, although the work is for sale. This work is by Carolyn Trant, Hadrian Speight and Edward MacKenzie.
Julian Bell at Pelham House
Julian Bell painter and writer was commissioned to decorate the ceiling of the main hall of Pelham during the summer of 2004. He says the imagery arose purely out of wondering how to make the space interesting.
In fact the painting depicts the families of Pelham, some of the workmen who worked on the conversion and the artist himself (pointing) in the traditional form of patronage. He also has a painting “Stage Dive” hanging in the Hotel.
Julian has lived and worked in Lewes for over twenty years, completing many local commissions, including Inn signs for Harveys Brewery and the Tom Paine Memorial in the town’s Market Tower Passage.
He also exhibits regularly at the Francis Kyle Gallery, London W1. Julian is the author of several books, including: ”What is Painting?” Julian’s work is for sale, please ask at reception for details.
Carolyn Trant - She is trained as a painter and a printmaker at the Slade. She now makes artists books, from which the exhibited images are taken. Some are from Gawain (and the Green Knight) and some are from Lorca. Carolyn’s books have been bought, by amongst others, the British library, and the National Library at the V&A. She also runs the Paddock Printmakers Collective in Lewes.
Hadrian Speight - Born in East Yorkshire, he now lives in Lewes. His narrative paintings intrigue the viewer throughout the top floor.
Edward Mackenzie - He came to painting late in life, having been denied creativity in the harsh environment of his public school upbringing.
Patrick O’Donnell’s and John Petts' work can be found in various forms in the upper floor meeting rooms.
Sarah Wenban - Continuing this patronage and support to local artists, in 2009, the management commissioned photographs of the garden to be hung in one of the function rooms. Sarah Wenban's work was chosen.
Not only is she one of our popular wedding photographers, but she was also shortlisted for “international garden photographer of the year 2009.” www.sarahwenban.co.uk
Andi Mindel- Lewes Castle series - In the 'Atrium Room', we have some new work by visual artist, filmmaker and environmental activist, Andi Mindel. Mixing traditional and digital methods of production, this new series of laser paper cut-outs, consists of ten artist proofs and a limited edition of 100 prints. They are available to purchase framed or unframed.