Open Art Gallery Cafe

Nestling between the Downs and the sea, the village of Rottingdean has enjoyed a long, interesting and sometimes turbulent existence.

Its past has seen many visitors come and go: some peaceful and some not so. Amongst the most welcome who stayed to inhabit the village, there were those for whom art in all its forms (painting, drawing, music and literature) was a passion and a way of life.

Amongst its most famous sons and daughters Rottingdean can boast a connection with Rudyard Kipling, Burne-Jones, Enid Bagnold and many more.

However, this heritage is not something that we are content to leave wholly in the past. There are those today who have made their lives’ work a continuation of this lineage.

Rottingdean has a reputation that draws those of an ‘artistic’ temperament. Now a small circle of individuals have made it their task to recreate the bohemian dream of an artists’ café.
Once such a place would be a building where people could go to view each others’ painting and drawings, to read their poetry and to look at designs for fine fabrics and jewellry, all the while enjoying good coffee and stimulating repartee.

Our version of the artists’ café offers all this and much more. In addition we are open to all whether of an artistic inclination or not and of any age group.
When you visit, you will be welcomed and refreshed at the café. Should you feel inclined you might browse the art on display. Who knows, you might even have a chance to speak to an artist or craftsperson about their work.

As our dream unfolds, we will broaden our repertoire to suit the creative needs of our community and its guests.
It is quite possible that you might take the opportunity to take part in informal workshops, art activities, readings or discussions.

Because we believe that children learn an appreciation of beauty and art
early in their development, we intend to offer activities especially for them.

Gifts and artworks great and small will be on sale at a price to suit all pockets.
Our philosophy in this endeavour is to continue the artistic heritage passed down to us from earlier times. Our aim is to do this in a way that most benefits our community and its local artists.
We hope that you will feel curious and inspired by the wealth of talent in our locality. We welcome your interest and encourage you to come along to see us very soon.