Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft
Museum of art and craft in a former village school in Ditchling, centred on Eric Gill and the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic; currently closed.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was founded in 1985 by the sisters Hilary and Joanna Bourne, who wanted to show their collection of works by local artists. It occupies the village's first national school, built in 1836 and extended in 1887. After the school closed, the sisters saved the building from demolition and turned it into the museum.
A redevelopment costing about 2.3 million pounds, partly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, began in 2012 and was designed by Adam Richards Architects. It was completed in late 2013.
The collection focuses on the artists and craftspeople who made Ditchling a creative centre in the 20th century, including the sculptor and typeface designer Eric Gill, the calligrapher Edward Johnston, who designed the London Underground typeface, and the printer Hilary Pepler. They belonged to the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic, an offshoot of the Arts and Crafts movement.
The museum closed to the public on 23 February 2026 while the trustees plan its future, and the closure is expected to continue beyond 2026.
Highlights
- Works by Eric Gill, Edward Johnston and Hilary Pepler
- Collection of the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic
- Former Victorian village school building redeveloped in 2013
- Founded
- 1985
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
