Artists in the book include the following whose work is shown at Kevis House Gallery: Mariella Baldwin, Mark Buck, Emma Jamison, John Hitchens, Tabitha McBain, Gwenda Morgan, Tuëma Pattie, Jonathan Newdick,

Buy the book from Kevis House Gallery (collection from gallery only): £14.95. Click here to reserve.

Also available by mail order for £17 incl. p&p: click here.

LAUNCH OF ‘SOUTH DOWNS SHOWCASE’ CELEBRATES THE AREA’S UNIQUE CREATIVITY

A new book released in December 2021 highlights the unique blend of art and culture that stems from the South Downs. Celebrating its rich significance for artists, sculptors, composers and writers, the launch of ‘South Downs Showcase’ celebrates over 200 years of the area’s creative history. 

Lord Egremont, in an especially written foreword to the publication, comments that “books such as this not only remind us of past achievement but prompt confidence that there must be more to come”. 

Aimed at residents and visitors alike, the new book by local author Peter Beckingham showcases both past and present artists and includes chapters describing J M W Turner’s stays at Petworth House; the range of carvings and statues commissioned by his friend the Third Earl of Egremont; the tragedies and achievements of Winnie-the-Pooh illustrator E H Shepard (who lived for many years in Lodsworth); and the rise to international prominence of Lavington Common-based artist Ivon Hitchens and subsequently his son John. 

The book also features world-renowned, Midhurst-based sculptor Philip Jackson, who has more public sculptures in London (including of Bobby Moore, Gandhi and a Bomber Command Memorial) than anyone else of his generation, and a number of highly talented contemporary, full-time  artists who live in the area. The book contains over 60 high quality reproductions, and has been beautifully designed by Jonathan Newdick. 

Completing the book are shorter descriptions of some of the most well-known composers and writers who lived in the area, including Sir Edward Elgar and H G Wells, and details of some of the many art galleries and societies.

The book has been written by Peter Beckingham, a former senior diplomat, and published as a not-for-profit venture by the Lodsworth Heritage Society. “The South Downs area holds incredible artistic importance “ says Peter,  “and our aim with this book is to offer both local residents and visitors a reminder of the beauty and talent of the area we are fortunate enough to enjoy. We hope that it will make a great Christmas present, or a gift throughout the year!”. 

The book is to be launched at a celebratory reception in early December, with guest of honour Max Egremont and guest speaker sculptor Philip Jackson. 

Copies of ’South Downs Showcase’ are available from the Petworth Bookshop (01798 342 082) and bookshops in Midhurst, Chichester and Arundel at £14.95, or can be ordered by email from the Lodsworth Heritage Society at peter@lodsworthheritage.org  for £17.00, including postage and packing, with payment by bank transfer to Lodsworth Heritage Society  (Sort Code: 30-96-61 A/c no. 17441468)  or by cheque to the Society.