Arts Trail to turn Battle upside down

A stellar line-up of professional artists have been confirmed for the event, which will run between September 17-25.

Professional artists at the heart of the trail include Annabel Tilley, former artist-in-residence at the Towner Gallery, Eastbourne.

Based in the beautiful Almonry gardens throughout the trail, Tilley will be offering drawing workshops to visitors as well as installing her own pieces which have been inspired by Battle’s unique heritage and environment.

Reem Acason is installing her stunning, illuminated ‘wasps’ nests’ - made from layers of wire, silk, drawings and varnish – also in the Almonry gardens.

Award-winning Russian artist Svetlana K-Lie has exhibited widely, including at the Saatchi Gallery in London. Her striking installation, ‘Grater Bed’, will draw the attention of anyone walking past the 1066 pub during the trail.

People should also prepare to be surprised as they walk along the twitten leading from the High Street to Mount Street car park, where Louise Kenward is displaying her thought-provoking work.

Nobles Restaurant in the High Street is playing host to ‘The Etiquette of Tea’, a body of work by local artist Joanna Kerr.

From September 19-24 guests will be able to ‘take tea’ from 3pm-4pm in the time-honoured English tradition. Each sitter will be given the essential information required in order to take tea ‘properly’. Patrick Burton’s ‘Garden’ installation will be situated by the footpath alongside George Meadow.

Colourful and man-made, it nonetheless is fragile and temporary and will eventually be overcome by natural forces.

Jo Reeves, of Battle Arts, said: “We are thrilled at the calibre of work that has been submitted for The World Turned Upside Down.

“We hope that the trail, made possible by funding from the Arts Council and a significant amount of sponsorship and support from local businesses, will create debate and delight in equal measure amongst residents and visitors.”

Free maps showing the route of the trail are available from Battle Library, the Tourist Information Centre at Battle Abbey, Saffron Gallery, Barnaby’s of Battle and for the duration of the trail at the Battle Arts Hub on the Abbey Green. Battle Arts is supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.