On Saturday October 5th, we celebrated the reopening of The Southover Gallery by hosting a one day pop up in our home. It was months in the making and we were thrilled that so many of our favourite Lewes locals were up for the challenge.

In a walk through, immersive exhibition, guests were treated to beautiful displays from their favourite artists, makers and brands. Liv and Dom and Table In The Sun brought sunshine stripes and ceramics into the kitchen, along with Field Food’s stunning sharing platters and Taith coffee’s delicious brews.

*Table In The Sun's handmade tablecloths and napkins.*

Edward’s & Todd recreated their popular high street shop in our yellow family room and guests were able to shop from an array of cushions, candles and Gary’s own ceramics. They neighboured Sarah Burns of Pattern Makers, the natural dye expert who’s stunning curtains, textiles and cushions brought the far corner of the room to life.

*Pattern Makers textile rich exhibition.*

Peering out into the garden, our usually sparse courtyard was a haven of striking blooms thanks to Bulb, who created a flower shop where guests could pick from giant bunches of hydrangeas and stunning pink roses. Justine Ashbee, artist and intuitive reader was on hand to give guests readings on our sunny rooftop terrace - infused with a rich mix of astrology, tarot and human design, her sessions left those lucky enough to secure them full of wonder.

*The courtyard filled with flowers by Bulb.*

*Justine Ashbee preparing for a reading.*

Our Peggy Angus red room gallery was filled with Pippa Burley’s calming sculptures alongside our resident artist Denver Sorrell’s striking figurative paintings. Polly Finch, Deirdre Bland’s granddaughter exhibited alongside Pippa and Denver with her miniature wonders - tiny paper houses that sat in glass domes. Perfectly formed little worlds that were a delight to observe. Polly kindly gifted Matt and I a beautiful paper replica of The Pink House, framed on an antique map of Lewes. A gift we will treasure always.

*Pippa Burley's striking sculptures on a backdrop of Peggy Angus wallpaper.*

In the bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs, more wonderful corners revealed themselves to guests. The blue room was occupied by miniature artist Florence Sweryda, who’s tiny, gilted framed paintings shone from the mantlepiece. My Nice Pair, a subscription dungaree rental brand, specialising in garments that grow alongside our ever changing bodies as women, brought a rail of rainbow beauties that delighted guests. Next to her, was Rosie of enchanting jewellery brand Raw Solace who sold her hammered brass ethereal beauties like hot cakes to our guests.

*My Nice Pair's striped, sustainable dungarees.*

*Raw Solace's ethereal jewellery stand.*

Menteath arrived with their expert team and treated guests to complimentary mini facials while their stunning display filled our green bathroom with their signature aroma and luxurious products. I saw many a glowing face make its way down from the top floor where treatments were taking place.

Sideline and Scout & Co took over two of the bedrooms and their rooms had a non stop flow of customers old and new, delighted to be able to visit their favourite Lewes brands in person. In another bedroom, Meredith Brooklyn and Elizabeth Harris’s handmade, up-cycled garments left guests smiling from ear to ear. Pretty patchwork and antique textiles were reworked with so much skill and attention to detail.

*Elizabeth Harris's reimagined textiles.*

*Meredith Brookyln's delightful patchwork stocking.*

I jumped on the opportunity to turn the children’s bathroom into a Bathroom Bootsale, complete with a Lucky Dip bathtub and rails of pretty vintage and pre-owned garments. Anything unsold will be sold on my Wardrobe Magic account @cccreativewardrobe and at the soon to launch Lewes Carbootsale. This is to open imminently in the station carpark, run by the duo behind Emporium Antiques.

We welcomed 250 guests through the door and the house hummed with life and creative magic. It felt emotional experiencing the house returning to what it had once been. Many of Deirdre’s family travelled to be with us on the day and we watched in wonder as they walked around The Pink House for the first time in thirty something years. Even packing up at the end of the long day was made easier thanks to Beak Brewery kind delivery of ice cold beers for our team. We had so much fun!

We are so excited for all that is to come for the reimagined Southover Gallery, a place which we hope will inspire creativity from all who gather inside.

Event Photos by @AlexCattPhoto

The Southover Gallery Pop-Up

The Southover Gallery