Crypt Gallery with its Flint Gallery, Undercroft and Cuckmere Room is an exciting, contemporary and unique arts space available for hire, situated in the centre of Seaford and had over 10,000 visitors last year. The medieval vaulted flint and stone Undercroft was sensitively restored by Lewes District Council in 1993 and has excellent acoustics making it the perfect venue for literary and musical events throughout the year.
The undercroft is a rare example of its type and the oldest secular building in Seaford. Although its original use is not known, it is believed this aspect of the venue could have formed part of a rich Seaford wool merchant’s house during the period Seaford was a thriving cinque port.
The gallery offers artists the opportunity to display art in all mediums in both the modern Cuckmere Room and the beautiful Flint Gallery and both galleries can be hired either separately or jointly.
Crypt Gallery has charitable status and is now run by 7 trustees and committee members having taken over from the council in 2018. They are all volunteers giving up their time to keep the gallery open and to conserve the undercroft. The gallery is open to visitors 6 days a week throughout the year and closed during January for painting and maintenance work. The Trustees are always looking for more committee members and young entrepreneurs to become volunteers as they could help in many ways including social media.
Many changes took place during January and the gallery now has fabulous, contemporary new signage which should make it easier to find, new skylights and inside the gallery has been re-painted and now has new carpeting in the entrance and exit of the Flint Gallery. There are new blinds in the Cuckmere Room too.
Our next project is to replace the windows of the gallery and we are hoping to raise funds through donations and sponsorship to achieve this.
There are many events held through the year which can be found on the new website www.cryptgallery.com together with full details on hiring. There is also a sign-up box to receive their monthly newsletter, so you never have to miss another event at this wonderful gallery.
2020 kicks off with the Annual Litfest which begins on Thursday 27th February 2020 and runs through to Sunday 1st March 2020 in the Main Gallery. The Mayor of Seaford will be opening the event on the 27th February from 17.00 to 19.00. There will be refreshments, music and the evening is a free event.
Sussex Art Collective returns to the Cuckmere Room on the 22nd February with their members exhibiting original artwork in mixed media.
I would recommend that you go along and see the beautiful building and the events that will be held there this year. Something for everyone’s taste from poetry to music, beautiful paintings and works of art in various media. I hope to see you there.
Crypt’s Details
Web: www.thecryptgallery.com
Email: info.arts@thecryptgallery.com
FBook: www.facebook.com/artsatthecrypt
Twitter:@ArtsatTheCrypt