Tucked behind Lewes High Street lies the hidden gem, Pelham House Hotel - a stylish venue known for its varied collection of sculptures and paintings with a notable historic past.
This 4-star hotel, steeped in rich tradition and formerly used as the local county council chamber, hosts a leading in-house art gallery with a line-up of exhibitions of which many London galleries would be proud.
Currently exhibiting is renowned international modern artist Ben Allen, who is showcasing his vibrant art and fashionable prints, embellishing the bar and foyer areas of the hotel.
These contemporary pieces by Brighton-based Ben Allen, whose client list includes Levis, Virgin, Channel 5, Nokia and The Hoxton Hotel, have fast become a talking-point among visitors and diners at Pelham House.
Speaking about his invitation to show, high-profile artist Ben Allen said: “I’m extremely proud to be associated with such a distinctive art space, dedicated to supporting and displaying work of both local and national artists.
“It is the perfect setting and I relish the thought that when visitors come to the hotel and enjoy their food, they can also feast their eyes on popular artworks, including some of my own.”
Uniquely for a hotel, Pelham House has its own resident art curator, Lindsey Galpin. With a background as a painter and stained glass artist, she has infused her creativity and experience to transform the venue into, literally, a work of art over the past four years.
Blending a mix of interior art and distinctive garden sculptures, Lindsey reveals her inspiration: “We always like to have an eclectic mix of styles so as to appeal to most tastes, but the most important thing is to make it work together visually.
“The building is an amalgamation of old and new and I like to reflect this by selecting a combination of traditional and modern art pieces.
“What makes my job so enjoyable is the refreshing views and support of the hotel directors, who are very keen to promote the arts and have strong links to the industry.”
There is still time for art enthusiasts to admire a selection of Ben’s work at Pelham House over the Christmas period, but with the New Year fast approaching, Lindsey has more delights up her sleeve.
“In January we will be supporting three local artists from Firle and displaying a diverse selection of watercolours by various members of the Sussex Watercolour Society.
“This will be followed in February with the return of Graham Sendall in the foyer and new pieces from Gilly McCadden in the bar.”
A major destination for the arts, Lewes hosts the annual Artwave festival, which celebrates work of local artists and the Glyndebourne festival opera. The town is also famous for its historical Tudor house once resided in and owned by Anne of Cleves, now open to the public.
Styled on elegance and romanticism and nestled in the heart of Lewes, 4-star Pelham House Hotel and restaurant boasts 31 boutique themed bedrooms within its 16th century Sussex townhouse. Overlooking the newly recognised South Downs National Park, it is the perfect rural getaway, situated just 10 minutes away from Brighton.
In addition to its art offering, the hotel is also known for its fine dining, civil ceremonies, weddings, conferences and events. Pelham House has also lined up an exciting package of events for the festive season.
For bookings or further information, please visit www.pelhamhouse.com, email sales@pelhamhouse.com or call 01273 488600.
Monday 30 November 2009
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