For the first time, Sussex Contemporary has partnered with the National Trust to present a major contemporary arts and crafts exhibition inside the historic rooms of Standen House, one of Britain's finest Arts & Crafts homes.
Running from 2 July – 30 September 2026, Inspired by Standen: The Future of Arts & Crafts brings together 72 selected artists and makers from across the UK whose work responds to the enduring legacy of the Arts & Crafts movement.
THE EXHIBITION
Chosen through a national open call by an expert judging panel, every artwork has been carefully positioned throughout the historic interiors of Standen House, creating a dialogue between contemporary creativity and one of the country's most significant Arts & Crafts collections.
Whether you're an art collector, National Trust member, maker, or simply looking for inspiring days out in Sussex, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience contemporary craftsmanship in an extraordinary historic setting.
A LIVING CONVERSATION
Standen House was designed by architect Philip Webb and furnished by Morris & Co., making it one of the most complete surviving Arts & Crafts houses in Britain.
Inspired by Standen invites today's artists to respond to those same principles:
craftsmanship
beauty through utility
respect for materials
thoughtful design
the relationship between making and everyday life
Rather than recreating history, the exhibition asks what the Arts & Crafts movement means today, resulting in an inspiring collection spanning ceramics, textiles, sculpture, printmaking, painting, glass, furniture, jewellery and mixed media.
16. Farmhouse Broom - Moss by Rosa Harradine
Made from: Handmade broom - broomcorn fibre, painted beech handle, nylon thread and cork hanging strap.
Dimensions: 150 cm x 30 cm x 10 cm
Year made: 2026
The broom in the exhibtion has now sold but we are selling further editions of these direct from Rosa Harradine’s studio. The further editions are made to order and take 4-5 weeks to make and dispatch. After a made-to-order broom has been purchased, we will be in touch in touch with an invoice for the shipping cost and further details on dispatch.
This farmhouse broom is made entirely by hand using traditional broom-making techniques. Bound with broomcorn - a type of sorghum - around a hand-painted beech handle, it is designed as a practical tool for everyday use while also celebrating the beauty of skilled craftsmanship.
The work reflects the ideals of the Arts & Crafts movement championed at Standen: a belief in the value of handmade objects, honest materials and the elevation of functional domestic items through thoughtful design and making. Created as an alternative to disposable, mass-produced household goods, the broom demonstrates how utility and beauty can coexist.
Historically, brooms have occupied an important place in domestic life, yet they are rarely considered objects worthy of display. I seek to draw attention to the skill embedded within everyday objects and to reconnect people with traditional making practices. Whether used daily or hung on the wall, the broom invites appreciation of the craftsmanship behind an often-overlooked household tool.
The exhibition runs until 30 September. Once a purchase has been completed, buyers may choose either to collect their artwork free of charge from Standen House on 2 October, or to have the work professionally packed, insured and couriered by Sussex Contemporary. Delivery charges vary according to the size, weight and value of each artwork and are detailed on the individual product page before purchase.
Shop the
EXHIBITION
Catalogue number: 24
Artist: Clive Bullivant
Title: Caviar Set
Medium: Fine Pewter
Dimensions: 14X4X2.5 individually
Designed to suit the elegant setting of the dining room at Standen.
This set in fine pewter responds to the use of nature as a source of inspiration for the Arts and Crafts Movement. The material is specifically chosen as pewter is extremely inert and unlike even precious metals will not taint the taste of the foodstuff. The pieces are constructed by hand using gravity casting, mechanical assembly and hot joining. The spoon bowl and blades are hammered and the rich surface textures are produced with punch work before hand finishing. The piece is part of a limited edition series.
The exhibition runs until 30 September. Once a purchase has been completed, buyers may choose either to collect their artwork free of charge from Standen House on 2 October, or to have the work professionally packed, insured and couriered by Sussex Contemporary. Delivery charges vary according to the size, weight and value of each artwork and are detailed on the individual product page before purchase.
Unlike many museum exhibitions, every contemporary artwork on display throughout Standen House is available for purchase.
Each purchase directly supports both the exhibiting artist and Sussex Contemporary's ongoing work to create ambitious opportunities for artists and makers.
Explore all 91 exhibiting artists, browse the complete catalog of works, and purchase original contemporary artworks online throughout the exhibition.
Discover Inspired by Standen, a major contemporary Arts & Crafts exhibition presented by Sussex Contemporary in partnership with the National Trust. Browse 91 artists, visit Standen House and purchase original artwork.
Catalogue number: 23
Artist: Kate Montgomery
Title: Drawing You Drawing
Medium: Casein on Birch panel
Dimensions: 26 by 30
A contemporary look at Arts and Crafts ideals whilst hinting at emotional currents.
The exhibition runs until 30 September. Once a purchase has been completed, buyers may choose either to collect their artwork free of charge from Standen House on 2 October, or to have the work professionally packed, insured and couriered by Sussex Contemporary. Delivery charges vary according to the size, weight and value of each artwork and are detailed on the individual product page before purchase.
LEARN ABOUT
Sussex Contemporary
Sussex Contemporary is an independent arts organisation dedicated to creating exceptional opportunities for artists while delivering inspiring experiences for audiences. Through ambitious exhibitions, open calls and creative partnerships, we connect contemporary artists with some of the South East's most significant cultural and heritage venues.
Alongside our own programme of exhibitions, we work collaboratively with partner organisations on a revenue-sharing basis, developing projects that benefit artists, venues and visitors alike. Our growing network includes partnerships with organisations such as Hastings Contemporary, Fabrica in Brighton, the National Trust, and a range of museums, galleries and heritage properties. Every project is designed to showcase outstanding contemporary practice while creating sustainable opportunities for the creative community.
Our approach combines curatorial excellence, professional artist support and commercial expertise, ensuring that every exhibition delivers meaningful cultural value alongside successful outcomes for participating artists and partner venues.
Gorringes
Gorringes are the headline sponsors of Inspired by Standen: The Future of Arts & Crafts and have been instrumental in supporting the delivery of this landmark exhibition.
Established in 1923, Gorringes is one of the South East's leading fine art and antiques auction houses, with an international reputation for expertise across fine art, jewellery, decorative arts, furniture and specialist collections. Their commitment to supporting the arts reflects a shared belief in celebrating craftsmanship, collecting and cultural heritage.
We are proud to work alongside Gorringes as a principal partner, helping to bring contemporary artists into dialogue with one of Britain's most important Arts & Crafts houses.
We Are Sussex
We Are Sussex is a new community interest company founded to champion, nurture and celebrate creative talent across Sussex.
Created to strengthen the region's creative economy, We Are Sussex brings together artists, makers, creative businesses and cultural organisations through professional development, networking, mentoring and collaborative opportunities. The organisation exists to help creative people build sustainable careers while raising the profile of Sussex as a centre for innovation and artistic excellence.
Launching initially across Sussex, the long-term vision is to develop a nationally recognised model that can be rolled out across the UK, creating connected regional creative networks that support artists at every stage of their careers while encouraging collaboration between communities, cultural institutions and industry.