Farewell to Freda

It could be the beginning of the end for one of Rye’s much-loved creative spaces.

New Road Artists’ autumn exhibition at Rye Creative Centre, Farewell to Freda, brings together more than 20 artists and over 50 works including painting, sculpture, photography and craft. The title refers to the possibility that this may be the artists’ final exhibition in the old Freda Gardham building, their home for the past 18 years.

Curators Richard Elliott and Nick Archer, who both have studios at the centre and trained at the Royal Academy in London, have introduced themes and connections throughout the show. There are plenty of large-scale paintings, and lots of blue. Inspired by this they created an “Academy-style” hang across the big wall. Entitled A Symphony in Blue, it echoes the pair’s Royal Academy days.

Another highlight is a sculptural installation centred around a cube designed by Matthew Burrows for an exhibition several years ago. Its open grid allows light to pass through, illuminating the sculptures inside and creating an atmospheric installation.

The Freda Gardham is a beautiful, light-filled space and will no doubt be missed. But perhaps the most important part of the exhibition is the community working here.

Nick Archer, who also runs painting classes, describes the real joy of the space, “People arrive, sometimes with little confidence, rediscover their creativity and a few go on to take a studio, sell their work and live the dream.”

That sense of community is central to New Road Artists – bringing together artists at every stage of their careers, learning from and alongside one another.

The site is earmarked for development, with the artists eventually relocating to Atlas Business Park. The first phase of the move has been pushed back to spring 2027, however, and there is currently no deadline to leave Freda Gardham.

So this may not quite be the final farewell. “The Long Goodbye” might just be the title of the Autumn 2027 exhibition.

Last Chance To See Farewell To Freda
Friday 18th September 5pm-8pm
Saturday 19th September 11-4pm

Artwork on sale from £40.00

Interested in becoming part of the New Road Artist community and joining the list for studios at the new venue in spring 27? Contact Samara Streeten manager@ryecreativecentre.co.uk

David Eckold, Arc 3 at the Rye Creative Centre Goodbye Freda exhibition

Goodbye Freda exhibition at Rye Creative Centre work by Lenka Medlik Sacred Earth series

Rye Creative Centre Goodbye Freda exhibition Keith Kettle. Stardust

Rye Creative Centre Goodbye Freda exhibition work by Jillian Eldridge

Rye Creative Centre Goodbye Freda exhibition, Sally Seymour, The Unicorn and her entourage

Rye Creative Centre Goodbye Freda exhibition

Rye Creative Centre Goodbye Freda exhibition, Luke Hannam, Lesbea and her bird

Rye Creative Centre Goodbye Freda exhibition, Melanie Comber , Legacy 2

Rye Creative Centre Goodbye Freda exhibition, Deborah Lanyon, Way Home

Helen Rawlinson, Walks with Walter Nos. 5,6 and 7 Rye Creative Centre Goodbye Freda exhibition

Caroline Fraser, An Unstable Edition Rye Creative Centre Goodbye Freda exhibition

Rye Creative Centre Goodbye Freda exhibition, Charlotte Bunyan The Magic Castle

Rye Creative Centre Goodbye Freda exhibition, Sonny New, Carp Fishing is Boring

Rye Creative Centre Goodbye Freda exhibition, Elsbeth Brown, Interconnecting

Image Credits: Jeff Grice .