“Hidden in plain sight" is a description which befits the seaside village of Rottingdean but in its heart lies a bustling creative spirit that has been blossoming for centuries. The quiet village on the East Sussex shore has been home to many renowned artists. Rudyard Kipling called the village his home in 1897, and even has a garden named after him.
Sir William Nicholson, the famous artist, owned and lived in The Grange before the First World War and it was there that his family shaped into a powerhouse in the art world. And that art tradition at The Grange remains vibrant as it hosts his wife Mabel Pryde Nicholson's work until August 26. Sir William Nicholson and his wife Mabel Nicholson, the famous artist, owned and lived in The Grange (Image: Visit Brighton) Mabel was an esteemed painter in her own right, she wholeheartedly followed her own interpretation of the realism painting style – focusing on darker tones, dramatic renderings of her everyday life and had a deep appreciation for the art in its purest form.
Chris Davidson, chairman at the Rottingdean Heritage Trust, a charity which upkeeps and manages historical features in the village, guided me across the room that housed Mabel’s exhibition, named Prydie - her nickname. A feeling of awe seemed to coat the atmosphere. Having all this work in one place is a moment in history, “I still cannot believe that this room is housing millions of pounds' worth of artwork from all across the UK” Chris told me.
There wa.