Last night at The Regency Town House in Brighton we won the Latest Best Open House award 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was a real surprise when the ever lovely Andrew Kay said our name. Defining what the criterior are is a puzzle to me as there are so many wonderful open houses. The Old Forge I hope offers an inclusive environment for everyone and makes art affordable. Last weekend coming up so I hope people come and enjoy.

Well third weekend over now and such a wonderful reponse. Sarah Locks lamps and shades seem a real favourite. Christian did amazingly well and no wonder. His pieces in the garden have a magical quality. The cow parsley is in places 2m tall and through the trees it is just possible to see his beautiful sculptures. Marian Brandis ceramics are selling like hot cakes and Cressida Bell's scarves and shades are as popular as ever. Guy Funnell's Sussex scenes continue to enthuse the public.

We heard last night that we have been nominated for Best Open House which is a splendid surprise. Winning I don't think is likely but the acknowledgement is most welcome. Off to the Regency Town House in Brighton tonight to find out more.

We have now sold 4 teacosies for Medicines Sans Frontieres. They have popped a post on their knitting/fundraising p-hop website ( http://www.p-hop.co.uk/). This is the last weekend coming up and the sun will be shining so let's hope for a brilliant turnout and lots more sales.

Second weekend has already passed and still no pictures! It was rainy and wet on but still there was a wonderful and constant stream of visitors. The Margo Selby cushions and bags sold really well and another beautiful Eloise Grey coat left the building... They are such good value for ethically sourced tweed. We sold our first tea cosy for Medecins Sans Frontieres. With such an amazing choice and so beautifully knitted and for such an amazing cause, I hope we sell all 20 of them.

Overwhelmed

First weekend is over now and we were overwhelmed by the great reception we received from visitors. The weather was unpredictable but still, a constant stream arrived all willing to embrace the somewhat tardy start. Now the work is out it looks beautiful. Sarah Lock's lamps are once more transforming the space with their beauty and exquisite craftmanship. Her lampshades, all individual works of art on their own are selling like hot cakes. Parcels stuffed with goodies arrived all week. Ellie Evans pincushions and needlecases are heavenly. Guy Funnell has his usual range of vista and views of Sussex countryside and seaside. It's always a pleasure to see his fans returning to add to their collections. Susan Ashworth (mother of new baby William) has given us amazing work. My favourite (Anemones I) has already sold and no wonder. It's beautiful. Must upload more pics...... There are 20 artist's work so lots to see. This Saturday at 7pm we have storytelling by The Guest House Storytellers. Round the bonfire if good weather, and indoors if not so should be either way a lovely evening. Everyone welcome. Free event.

Welcome to The Old Forge Open House 2010! Open as part of Brighton Festival Artist Open Houses we are now in our 6th year and looking forward to four weekends of visitors. 11am-6pm first four weekends in May. We will be updating the site regularly with posts as the work arrives and as we get underway. Come and visit, enjoy the brilliant work and have home made cream teas, cakes and soup in the beautiful wild and wooded garden. Paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glass, etc etc.
The Old Forge is in South Heighton near Newhaven.
Christian Funnell (www.christianfunnell.com ) has lived there for 7 years and so whilst wandering through the garden you may well find a sculpture hidden in the cow parsley or up in one of the Elm trees. We offer a relaxed way to browse and enjoy (or buy!) the work and also amazing scenery. We are on the Downs within the new National Park. Children are welcome (there's a great swing) just don't chase the chickens...
If you come to visit please do not park right outside! We are on a bend and parking is available at the bottom of the hill outside the fabulous South Heighton Pottery or past the Forge, at the end of the road (and on the flat) in a small village carpark. You can always drop off and park afterwards..
More to follow..