Sussex Showcase book by Peter Beckingham

Peter’s beautiful new book, a follow-up to South Downs Showcase is out now, with proceeds to The Motor Neurone Association’s West Sussex branch

Sussex Showcase: 2000 Years of Great Art from Bignor to Brighton by Peter, who lives in Lodsworth, was launched at the recent Petworth Literary Festival.

Covering a bigger canvas, the book features more than 2000 years of art in Sussex, ranging from the beautifully preserved mosaics of Bignor and Fishbourne and world-class medieval frescoes in tiny South Downs churches, to the end of the 20th century and the colourful paintings of Charleston-based artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant.

Sussex Showcase takes the reader on a visual feast of a journey to see how Sussex has been depicted through many centuries, including by such English Masters as Constable and Turner, as well as famous 20th century painters such as Paul Nash and Eric Ravilious. It also shows how destinations like Brighton, Chichester and Rye have become a beacon for artists, as well as more rural locations like Ditchling. Covering Sussex’s most famous artists, and iconic landmarks from the Downs to Beachy Head and Brighton Pier, the book investigates how the County has made such an impact on art in Britain.

It includes a foreword by The Duke of Richmond from Goodwood House, who comments “how incredibly inspiring the Sussex landscape has been, and remains, for artists”, Sussex Showcase includes over 50 high quality illustrations, some of which are rarely seen and have been generously loaned from privately-owned collections. Describing the publication, author Peter Beckingham said that “its purpose is unashamedly simple and celebratory – a book which can be enjoyed by all tourists and residents of Sussex with an interest in the county’s rich artistic history.”

Peter Beckingham is a former diplomat whose positions included Deputy High Commissioner to India, Ambassador to the Philippines and Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands. He now gives talks on Cunard’s QE2 and Queen Mary and is donating the profits from this book to The Motor Neurone Association’s West Sussex branch. Jonathan Newdick, a book designer with an international reputation, has once again designed this new publication, produced in association with Lodsworth’s Heritage Society.

The book is priced at £16.99 (postage and packing £3.50) as well as selected bookshops in Chichester, Midhurst, Brighton, Arundel, Steyning, Rye and Eastbourne. Email petworthbookshop@gmail.com or call 01798 342082 for more details on how to order.

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