Sussex Craft Week: Explore the First Edition

Ever fancied stepping behind the scenes of the UK’s craft revival? This summer, the inaugural Sussex Craft Week offers a rare invitation to meet the makers, witness heritage skills in action, and celebrate the rich craft traditions of East and West Sussex. Taking place from 14–22 June 2025, the week-long festival features over 60 events across 40 venues and showcases the work of more than 100 makers.

From a West Dean course: Stencil Printing Floral/Botanical Designs on Fabric.

Curated by ROSA Magazine in partnership with West Dean College, and supported by a host of creative collaborators, Sussex Craft Week highlights the region as a powerhouse of contemporary craft and a custodian of centuries-old making traditions. From ancient weaving and natural dyeing to avant-garde embroidery and artist-led print studios, the textile highlights alone are worth the trip.

To help you on your journey of discover, we've compiled a few of the featured textile shows below:

Hastings, St Leonards and Rye 

Don’t miss the live demonstrations at Hastings Contemporary on 14 June. Watch ancient natural dyeing and block printing techniques in action with artist Sarah Burns, alongside Sussex fishermen reviving net making and knot tying traditions.

Deborah Bowness 'Frock' Wallpaper. Images courtesy of Deborah Bowness.

Further along the coast, visit textile artist and wallpaper designer Deborah Bowness in her St Leonards print-room (14, 19–21 June), and catch the De La Warr Pavilion’s exhibition featuring the textile works of Claudia Alarcón & Silät...

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Image Credits:

LEAD: Tadek Beutlich teaching his craft. Photo: courtesy Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft.

All other images as credited in image captions.