Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft facts for kids
The Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft is a special museum located in the village of Ditchling, in East Sussex, England. You can find it near Saint Margaret's Church. This museum focuses on the amazing artists and craftspeople who made Ditchling a very creative place in the 1900s.
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Explore Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft
The museum celebrates people like Eric Gill, who was a sculptor (someone who carves art from materials), a printmaker (who creates art by printing designs), and a typeface designer (who designs the letters we read). Another famous artist featured is Edward Johnston, who designed the well-known font used for the London Underground railway system. You'll also learn about printer Hilary Pepler. These artists were part of a group called The Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic, which was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. This movement encouraged making beautiful, handmade items.
A Look at the Museum's History
The museum building itself has an interesting past. It was first built in 1836 as the village's national school. It started with just one classroom and a home for the schoolmaster. Over the years, the school grew. By 1887, it was extended, and by 1915, it had 128 students!
From School to Museum
The school closed its doors in 1983. Luckily, two sisters named Hilary and Joanna Bourne saved the building from being torn down. They had a wonderful collection of local artworks and decided to turn the old school into a museum to display them. The Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft officially opened in 1985.
Modern Updates and Reopening
In 2012, the museum began a big renovation project. They received a large grant of £2.3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other generous donors. The building was redesigned by Adam Richards Architects, a company from London. The improvements were finished in late 2013. After the renovation, the museum was officially reopened by Nicholas Serota, a well-known figure in the art world. Today, the museum is a registered charity, which means it's a non-profit organization that helps the community.
