About the Club
Rye Arts Club
The club was originally formed in the early 1900’s and it was based in Lamb House and Henry James Studio in Watchbell Street where the American novelist Henry James spent the last 18 years of his life. In 1920 Henry James was listed as the president and it consisted of an interesting roll call of members including Augustus John, Paul Nash and Dame Laura Knight.
Henry James was also frequently visited by such distinguished writers such as Rudyard Kipling, H.G. Wells, Joseph Conrad and E.F Benson.
E.F. Benson (creator of Mapp & Lucia) befriended James and lived in Lamb House after the latter’s death. In 1927 Ed Burra is listed as a member and by 1939 the venue had moved to Jeake’s House, Mermaid Street and Paul Nash and Dame Laura Knight were still listed as members.
With the onset of the Second World War the club would appear to have lapsed. The club was reformed in 2008 by Louis Swann & Susannah de Sherburne who operate Swann Gallery in Mermaid Street and whose Aunt and Uncle Joy and Ted Harland created the Rye Town Model, a sound and light show which is now housed in the Rye Heritage Centre.
Rye Arts Club is an association aimed at promoting and encouraging the fine and decorative arts by affording local artists the opportunity to exhibit. There is a sense of open house allowing people to drop by, contemplate, have a glass of wine and watch the light change against the backdrop of paintings, pots and sculptures.
Swann Gallery
Following the success of Galerie du Cygne in the South of France “The Black Swann” has taken up residence in Rye, specialising in French and UK contemporary paintings, sculpture and object d’art.
The gallery is located at the top of Mermaid Street close to Lamb House and is housed in an 18th century town house which has featured in several Film Series including “Mapp & Lucia” and “Cold Comfort Farm” as it was previously a tea shop and an off licence. The enchanting feature of the gallery is the special curved doors which form the entrance and mirror the curve in the street outside.
The gallery is open from April to end December each year from Thursday to Sundays and hosts a number of soirees throughout the season. We represent a number of local and UK artists; we also import pottery and works from our gallery in France.
Selling contemporary paintings, sculptures, pottery and Object d’art.
Artistic & musical events associated with the gallery.
