The Brighton Sculptors
Nestled in the hills of Hanover is the historic Church of the Annunciation, built in the mid 1800’s as a place of worship for the poorer labouring families of rail workers and nearby farmers and fishermen. For a number of years now, this community church has been home to the Brighton Sculptors: 8 or 9 talented artists showing their varied works d
uring May’s Artist Open Houses Festival. Theresa Martin, contact for the group says the faces change a bit from year to year, but all are very enthusiastic about the work and the space. In fact, the group evolved from the discovery of the lovely atmospheric Church and the warm and welcoming congregation there.
“The vicar was also a curtator at Tate Modern so had a strong interest in sculpture. We have wonderful discussions about Art and The Universe during the Festival and people love finding the artists there to discuss aspects of sculptural experiences alongside the spiritual openings.” -Theresa Martin
This years festival features the work of nine talented sculptors including Theresa, as well as Jeanne Argent, Ingrid Boucher, Jill Bourner, Abby Martin, Alison Parker, John Price, Lesley Stepney and Neil Wilkinson. There will be wonderful abstract forms such as Theresa’s pieces and new comer Jeanne Argent’s organic plant like shapes cement and glass fibre. Neil Wilkinson’s works with fragmented human forms in combined materials of metal with wood and cements — and Ingrid Boucher studies the human form and face – going beyond traditional portraiture to convert the emotion and connection.
“I have always found inspiration and beauty in the human face and figure and have found a way to express this particularly in my 
portrait sculpture.” -Ingrid Boucher
“This will be my first time exhibiting for Artists Open Houses, which I am very excited about” -Jeanne Argent
What’s interesting is that no whatever the subject matter or material used, the Brighton Sculptors have a common thread in their work and that is of the love of their medium and how it continues to challenge and excite their practise. There is a joy in diving into a new material or idea and letting the process take the piece to it’s finished place. 
“This year I have been experimenting with cement in combination with my metal resist figures, driven by the reflective and matt contrasts in surfaces and textures.” -Neil Wilkinson
“I’m always producing new work; I don’t like to repeat pieces.” -John Price
This year, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Brighton Festival, The Brighton Sculptors have an ambition to create 50 pieces to have on display at the Church for this years Open Houses Festival.
The Brighton Sculptors, Church of the Annunciation, Washington Street,
BN2 9SR, Hanover Trail
Words by Anne-Marie Olczak