Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft — Attraction in Lewes

We visited the Ditchling Museum in order to see the Raymond Briggs exhibition and we weren't disappointed in any way. Our daughter has always had a great interest in his work especially 'The Snowman' since she was a child and still has the same interest even now she's in her mid forties. It was a special treat for her as it was her birthday that day.

The exhibition itself, was presented in a well organised manner and was easy to navigate around the many displays and works exhibited. There was also a short video interview with RB running in a continuous loop, which gave an interesting glimpse into the character that he was.

To see his original works displayed and some of his 'tools, made the visit complete. There was also a great display of ceramic characters (of which our daughter has a few) of the various characters from his 'Snowman' works. Seeing the exhibition, made the talented character that was Raymond Briggs feel very real and made us appreciate his work even more.

So, if anybody has an interest in RB, then, we recommend visiting this exhibition during the period that it is running for. The admission price was very reasonable and good value. The museum also has a nice little cafeteria in the reception area along with an equally well stocked shop from which you can buy a number of eclectic but associated goods as a momento of your visit.

Outside there is the local church and cemetery which is worth taking a walk through onto the village centre where there is lovely little cafe type place which serve a good range of...

When I have visited in the past the actual museum is very lovely and relaxing. On this occasion we were just visiting to buy takeaway coffees and cakes for adults and children. I went in and purchased the coffees and cakes and the staff at the purchase point were very friendly. I stepped outside and we enjoyed the sunshine and our snacks. I then went back to use the bathroom. I was greeted curtly by the member of staff on the door. I asked to use the bathroom facilities. Just a flat... No. I explained I had purchased coffees and cakes and was sat outside. Again... No. May, I ask why? Curtly... It's not a public toilet.

I'm pretty sure I qualify as a paying customer. But if anything it was the manner of refusal. Just dismissive and rude. On the way back to the car, I popped into the pub we had dinner earlier. They were much more accommodating and friendly. The upshot is, in the future, we'll get our coffee and cake from one of the Tea rooms or cafés on the cross roads. Disappointing. Otherwise, Ditchling...

A newly refurbished building in a lovely location: garden, pond, church nearby - very calm. The museum itself is new and well laid out. The exhibition we saw (Eric Gill) was sadly a bit tame. It focused on Gill, only one of a few artists associated with Ditchling, and specifically focused on his dubious personal life, asking if the art could be separated from the artist - a good premise. Sadly, other than many nude drawings (often of his daughters) and the odd contentious religious piece, this felt superficial. Other unrelated pieces (printing press) felt neither part of, or separate from, the exhibition. Likewise, the minimal mention of other artists. A shame and a missed opportunity. The reading room is nice, and the gift shop / café...