Venue Description

Situated in the South Downs National Park, Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft focuses on the artists and craftspeople who made Ditchling a creative hub in the 20th century. The museum has a frequently changing programme of exhibitions and displays alongside a growing permanent collection. The site is home to a nationally important collection of artefacts made by the craftspeople who lived in the village, such as typographer and sculptor Eric Gill, designer of the London Underground font Edward Johnston and printer Hilary Pepler. The fabulous shop and café are nestled in the restored 18th-century Cart Lodge. Browse bespoke items, beautiful books, prints, cards, jewellery, ceramics and gifts or enjoy special teas and coffees and a slice of delicious locally-made cake. Entrance to the Cart Lodge is free. The site was originally founded by sisters Hilary and Joanna Bourne in 1985 as a place to display their collection of local artworks, but in 2012 a £2.3 million grant from HLF and other donors paved the way for a major renovation project. Designed by by Adam Richards Architects, the new space offers views out over Ditchling, allowing the works to be set against the backdrop of where they were created. The collection has also been refocused to provide a comprehensive account of the village's artistic heritage, leading the museum to be described as 'an unmissable stop on the Sussex art trail'.

Accessibility

We look forward to welcoming you to Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft. Our staff are on hand to help with any needs you may have. You can download our Easy Read Guide to Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft at www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/visit/access. If you can’t find the information you need on this page, or would like to talk to us, please email us on enquiries@ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk or call 01273 844644. There is no on-site parking at the museum except for two disabled parking bays. Please call 01273 844744 ahead of your visit to book a space. Disabled car parking bays are also located immediately in front of the Village Hall and Blue Badge holders can park for up to three hours on the double yellow lines with the usual restrictions. There are no parking charges in the village. The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users. There is step free access to the shop and cafe. The museum can be accessed via a flight of stairs or a wheelchair lift. Carers are entitled to free entrance and there is a concession entrance for disabled people. All toilets on site are gender-neutral. We have accessible and baby change facilities. The Café + Shop, main gallery and Clore Learning Space are fitted with a hearing loop, to assist those with hearing aids. Trained Assistance Dogs are welcome, but otherwise no animals or pets are allowed in the museum. All dogs are permitted in the shop and café. You can stream our free audio introduction to the museum, provided by VocalEyes, a nationwide audio description charity that provides access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people. Ask at the front desk if you would like to use any of the following items: Illuminated white light handheld 2 x magnifying glass Large print captions Portable folding stools which are located around the museum. Ask at the front desk to locate them. Just Ask Should you need any assistance at any point during your visit, please ask a member of staff at the front desk.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/visit/access/

Toilets

All toilets on site are gender-neutral. We have accessible and baby change facilities.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

The village green outside the museum is suitable for dogs.