With the rest of the family busy doing other things yesterday, once I’d done my hour in the gym, I took myself off to Parham House to the Sussex Guild Contemporary Crafts Show. Parham is beautiful, set in a park with huge mature trees and stunning views of the South Downs. It lies on the A283 between Storrington and Pulborough and only took me about 30 minutes to get there.
The show was set up in a large marquee. With it being so windy, there were times when the structure gave the impression of being about to take off but thankfully it had been securely anchored down although the constant noise must have been a bit distracting for the exhibitors who were there all day.
The work on show was of a very high standard and the prices reflected the skill and expertise of the craftspeople. What struck me was the vast amount of people who make jewellery – all very nice, some of it stunning but none of it for me, even if I could have afforded it. I had hoped to see a large selection of textiles but these exhibitors were in short supply although I did come across a lady who made her own felt from silk and turned it into gorgeous scarves. There are two methods of making felt, wet felting and needle felting. I am about to go on a 1/2 day course later this week to learn how to do the wet felting method so I mentioned this and asked if it was an easy process. She wished me good luck so it seems it isn’t!
The Sussex Guild have a website http://thesussexguild.co.uk/ which is well worth a look. They also have a shop and gallery in Lewes.
After a bowl of rather spicy carrot soup in the ‘Big Kitchen’ complete with a vast collection of copper pans and other equipment from yesteryear and a board with bells on marked ‘Drawing Room’ ‘Library’ etc, I found my camera and went for a wander in the walled garden. It was absolutely wonderful, full of perennials and shrubs in wide boarders all blending together beautifully. The bees were having a field day! There is an old green house and a shop where you can buy some of the lovely plants that can be seen throughout the garden. At one end of the garden is a Wendy House which was built in the 1920’s for the owners 3 daughters (how lucky were they?). It’s a perfect little cottage with a fireplace and an upstairs.
My trip was a real delight which ended back in the ‘Big Kitchen’ with a cuppa and a piece of chocolate biscuit cake! …
Here are some photos of the garden, the house is open too and you can see more on the website at http://www.parhaminsussex.co.uk/
Inside The Greenhouse
Stunning Wisteria
Ouch!
Bee’s Paradise
Pip's Place 
Leave a Reply