Common Place is an exhibition exploring the creative life of Brighstone. Its curators, Philip Crewe and Tom Howells, grew up in the village. Since then, their fascination with its cultural and natural history – and rich seam of craft-based artistry – has strongly influenced their work as designers and journalists.
By presenting handmade and personal works from the village, it explores how the idiosyncrasies of village life can spur startling creativity. On a surface level, some these objects might seem hobbyist or folksy, even quaint.
But there’s more to them. The colourful pieces on show speak not just to skill or craft, but to imagination, humour, pride and a reflection of the surrounding landscape. They represent something genuine and profoundly lived. Brighstone could be anywhere – but in Common Place, we encourage the viewer to look at their own ‘somewhere’ with fresh eyes, reasserting the cultural value of the handmade in rural life.
Please note that the exhibition is open during Department’s Opening Times, so if you visit on Saturday the building will close at 5pm. Otherwise, it’s open until 6pm.
