There's a bit of excitement happening at the moment called the 'Brighton Festival'. It comprises of pretty much a month's worth of entertainment and activites all over the city, including things like: tours, comedy shows, dance, theatre, author workshops, light shows, performances, fairs, street parades, singing, guest speakers and the list goes on. You could go to a number of things each day and not see it all, it's immense!
One of the lovely things that is also happening is the Artists' Open Houses. I went along to one area of open houses on Sunday, and had just a delightful afternoon. Glenny petered out halfway, but I was still going strong at 5pm when they finished.
The idea is that people offer rooms in their houses for the weekends in May. Usually only the downstairs rooms, and these are often houses of the artists or of friends. They move out a lot of their furniture and make space for art to be displayed on the walls, tables over couches (for textiles), etc, etc. Each house displays the work of about 5 or 6 artists. Members of the public are invited in to wander through the rooms, talk to the artists, and purchase some art work too (most on display is for sale). It is such a beautiful idea. I liked to see how people arranged their home and to look at the pretty little back gardens and of course the art was amazing.
Many of the houses sold homemade treats and some even had tables and chairs in their garden so you could rest with a cuppa and cake. Divine.
I had a ball. I even bought two pieces for art - I think I might cultivate a collection: I have an illustration of Little Red Riding Hood and a lino print of a dancing lady. I feel very cultured. So much so that I will head off to another area next weekend for a look. There are about seven areas in total, I think I may only get to two though - so much to see so little time, as the saying goes.
Here are a few snap shots of the lovely afternoon. I didn't take any inside the houses (except for the one of the staircase) I think I'd feel a bit awkward photographing someone's masterpiece. I'll let you imagine!
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| Banners to show the open houses |
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| Lovely facade, some of these homes are three stories |
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| I had a slice of lemon drizzle cake - devine. I am in the process of baking my own at this very minute, if it turns out nice I'll pass on the recipe |
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| Glen's scones with cream and homemade jam |
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| Pretty back garden where we ate our treats |
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| A staircase I'd love to have, maybe one day |
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| Herb and veggie garden out the front |
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| Don't see flowers like this round the 'ville |
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| English Rose |
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