Lydia Asscher, Artist And Myth Hunter

At a recent local makers day hosted by the Makers Barn in Petworth, we had the pleasure of meeting the incredibly talented metalsmith, Lydia Asscher. Inspired by her intricate work and the passion she brings to her craft, we were eager to dive into Lydia's world and share her story with our readers.

Lydia warmly describes the Makers Barn as a hub for rural craftspeople, fostering a deep connection to craftsmanship and enriching the experience of handcrafted items. On special occasions like Makers Days, Lydia's artistic brilliance converges with other skilled artisans.

Fueled by an unwavering desire to create, Lydia started her metalsmithing journey during her art foundation at Brighton Metropolitan. Under the guidance of an exceptional tutor, she was introduced to the world of metalsmithing, a transformative experience that paved the way for her craft. Lydia's journey continued as she found herself under the mentorship of a remarkable blacksmith in Farnham, enriching her skills and knowledge. Reflecting on this pivotal period, Lydia passionately affirms, "I have always created art of some type or another. It's a manifestation of my personality; I simply can’t not be making something”.

Lydia’s preferred medium is metals, despite also loving to paint and draw. She indulges in various techniques such as fold forming, soldering, and riveting. The majority of Lydia's metalwork involves chasing and repoussé, a process using steel tools and a hammer to intricately design sheet metal. Her choice of materials, especially silver and copper, are deeply rooted in strong folk history, connecting her work to the artistic traditions of working craftspeople.

Nature, oral traditions, folklore, and the local Sussex fauna deeply fuel her creativity. Reflecting on school days, Lydia noted the drastic change between the sea and Chichester in her daily route, emphasising Sussex's remarkable diversity—flat and sandy, and wooded hills. Always connected to the land, Lydia also immerses herself in oral traditions from local families, shaping her unique perspective on Sussex's ever-changing landscape.

Living off-grid in a showman's wagon near Petworth, Lydia details the challenges and rewards of her unique lifestyle. Her studio, situated in a trailer, relies solely on solar or generator power. While the setup time extends the process of creating her one-of-a-kind pieces, Lydia embraces it for the heightened awareness it brings to the energy, time, and skill invested in her crafts—echoing methods from the Bronze Age and amplifying the authenticity of her artistic process.

This off-grid existence not only shapes Lydia's artistic process but also becomes a tangible manifestation of her deep connection to the land. For Lydia, her art transcends a mere creative pursuit; it serves as a heartfelt ode to nature.

“I see my art as love letters to the land and the beauty of nature and the creatures in it. Artists have a place in this world to reignite this reverent culture of seeing outside of yourself and recognising the reverence in everything. We are the indicators of society; if there’s a problem, artists are usually addressing it. It's typically artists who take those initial steps into a newer realm of understanding. As an artist, I want to remind people and awaken them to the animacy that is everywhere; art is activism.”

Lydia's unwavering commitment to her craft is enriched by her immersive experiences at West Dean College. Here, she has delved into a myriad of courses and collaborated with skilled silversmiths. What resonates with Lydia is the college's dedicated commitment to fostering opportunities for emerging artists and craftsmen, a sentiment she holds in high regard.

An advocate for the transformative power of education, Lydia passionately encourages aspiring crafters to explore the diverse courses offered by West Dean College. Emphasising the institution's proactive approach to supporting talent, Lydia urges young individuals to explore potential opportunities, including bursaries, that can ease the financial aspect of their learning journey. West Dean College stands ready to embrace and assist young enthusiasts in their quest for knowledge and skill development.

To explore Lydia Asscher's captivating world of metal craftsmanship, you can connect with her through her website. Whether you're drawn to commission a bespoke piece, delve into small collections, or acquire a unique one-of-a-kind creation, Lydia welcomes you to embark on a journey through her artistry. Visit her website for an immersive experience and the opportunity to bring a piece of Sussex-inspired beauty into your life.

@lydia.asscher

An Actual Kitchen crafted by Inglis Hall - The Kitchen Maker

In the heart of Lewes, An Actual Kitchen, born from the visionary minds at Inglis Hall - The Kitchen Maker, transcends the conventional idea of a showroom. It is a vibrant space where the kitchen transforms into an art form, weaving craftsmanship into the fabric of daily life.

Founder Toby Hall's design journey commenced at the age of 16 when he embraced the world of cabinet making at Rycotewood in Oxfordshire. A decade spent immersed in timber framing paved the way for the creation of Inglis Hall - The Kitchen Maker in 2013. Since its inception, the company has stood as a testament to the seamless fusion of craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics in kitchen design.

Inglis Hall's commitment to sustainability is not just a mantra but a tangible practice. The furniture crafted by the company comes with a lifetime guarantee, challenging the prevailing throwaway culture. Solid timber, sourced locally from English Woodlands Timber, underscores their dedication to sustainable and responsible practices in the realm of interior design.

An Actual Kitchen didn't emerge by chance. It was a deliberate effort to breathe life into a neglected Georgian shop on High Street, Lewes. This initiative goes beyond showcasing craftsmanship; it aspires to create a haven where kitchen enthusiasts can engage in meaningful conversations, celebrating the intersection of design and community.

An Actual Kitchen, within its 57-square-metre canvas, encapsulates this vision. It is an invitation to experience contentment and fulfilment in a kitchen that transcends its functional purpose. In the heart of Lewes, this culinary space promises to be a lasting presence, not just as a showroom but as a vibrant expression of the enduring relationship between art, community, and the love for kitchens.

As a testament to their values, Inglis Hall assures that An Actual Kitchen will remain untouched, with only necessary updates made over time. This commitment echoes their belief that a kitchen should last, standing the test of time as a symbol of enduring craftsmanship and beauty.

Beyond Design: An Actual Kitchen's ‘First Supper Club’

Recently, An Actual Kitchen took a bold step beyond being a design haven by hosting its first supper club, and the space transformed into a vibrant social hub. Richard Falk, a culinary maestro, and his team took control of the kitchen, delivering an evening of slow and exquisite food, complemented by an inspiring wine selection curated by Dominic Buckwell.

This inaugural supper club wasn't merely about the delectable menu; it marked a significant moment in An Actual Kitchen's journey. It not only showcased the kitchen's design prowess but also established itself as a cultural focal point. Here, the intimacy of the space became a fusion of weaving stories, building connections, and conviviality, emphasising it as the heart of communal joy.

In hosting such events, An Actual Kitchen emphasises that the heart of our home is a space that facilitates experiences beyond its physicality, fostering togetherness, celebrations, and more.

Leigh Simpson Photography

Field Food: Rooted in Connection and Soil & Soul Loving Food

Just south of Lewes, in a flint barn nestled into the South Downs, Field Food has created something more than a supper club. Run by Libby and Henry, it’s a way of eating — and living — that’s deeply connected to land, season, and community.

Their journey began back in 2015, when friends would gather around their kitchen table to share food and laughter. Over time, these evenings grew into pop-ups that carried the same spirit: people coming together through food. Lockdown sharpened their vision. They wanted to dig deeper into regenerative farming, to make farm-to-table not just a phrase but a lived practice. The barn became their new home.

Today, Field Food is known for its Social Feasts. Guests arrive as strangers, cocktails are poured from herbs grown on site, fire pits are lit, and Libby cooks dishes sourced directly from the farm or nearby regenerative growers. There’s no rush, no second sitting — just hours spent around the table, where connection grows as naturally as the food.

The barn sits within a wider ecosystem: Wendy’s Chalk Rose flower garden, the Teas for Bees herbal patch, hives buzzing with pollinators, and a young edible agroforest designed for the future. Every part of this land feeds into Field Food’s philosophy: that we can shape a more nourishing, connected way of living.

As Henry puts it, “Field Food allows us to live our values, to share those values openly, and to celebrate health and connection.”

It’s not just supper. It’s a glimpse of a better rhythm - rooted in soil, soul, and the Sussex Downs themselves.

Pro Baristas Impact on Brighton's Coffee Culture

Brighton is a city that runs on coffee. Our seaside town has the highest coffee consumption per capita in the UK, which has naturally led to the highest number of coffee shops per capita too. People of Brighton are indeed obsessed with coffee! 

Eight years ago, One Church Brighton, a dynamic and inclusive charity dedicated to transformative projects, launched Pro Baristas with a two-fold mission: to provide job opportunities to those in need and to address a high turnover of staff in the local coffee industry. Building upon their previous efforts supporting low-income families, youth employment services and a homeless night shelter, they recognised the pressing need for more career paths and meaningful work opportunities in the community.

Founder Ben Szobody, a former coffee blogger and self-proclaimed filter nerd, perfected his craft in his kitchen, while also roasting coffee on a small contraption in his laundry cupboard as a means to escape from his former life in the corporate world. When he settled in Brighton, he quickly immersed himself in the vibrant local coffee scene, where he witnessed firsthand the industry's persistent staff turnover. This realisation served as the driving force behind the initiative, fuelled by a simple yet compelling argument: Why not prioritise hiring individuals who face barriers and typically lack access to opportunities, over those who do not plan a long-term career in the industry?

So how do they work? 

Pro Baristas unwavering commitment lies in ensuring that financial constraints should never hinder anyone from pursuing a career in coffee. Their primary focus revolves around offering accessible coffee training courses, with prices tailored to individual circumstances. For those facing unemployment or struggling to secure a career, the fees charged are minimal, providing them the best opportunity to get a foothold in the industry. 

In addition to their courses, Pro Baristas also hosts free weekly drop-in sessions, open to anyone seeking to enhance their coffee-making skills. Within this welcoming and laid-back environment, experienced baristas mentor newcomers, fostering a supportive community atmosphere. These sessions not only build confidence but also provide a safe haven for individuals grappling with mental health challenges or anxiety. Particularly in the face of the pandemic, this nurturing approach has proven invaluable, guiding countless individuals towards a brighter and more hopeful future.

How is it funded?

Pro Baristas also offers valuable work experience opportunities at their Florence Road Market & Cafe, allowing participants to gain practical skills and hands-on training in a real coffee shop environment. This stems from Pro Baristas recognition of the real problem with coffee: the need to make hospitality work truly satisfying and sustainable. As a result, they actively collaborate with employers who share this understanding, working together to develop work models that effectively address this challenge. Their shared commitment paves the way for a more fulfilling and sustainable future in the industry.

Their growth plans include the development of a comprehensive super course specifically tailored for the most marginalised individuals they encounter. Their goal is to provide targeted support by addressing the unique needs and overcoming the barriers faced by these individuals.

Pro Baristas ensures the sustainability of their initiative by securing funding through providing business consultancy services, taking a comprehensive approach to support their trainees by collaborating closely with the coffee industry. These services cover various aspects within their expertise, including providing guidance on practical business management skills, coffee training, creating advancement opportunities and the importance of financial transparency. 

Pro Baristas value small independent businesses acting as incubators for growth, encouraging employers to acknowledge the finite capacity within their own company and the potential for staff to transition into other areas of the industry for career development.

In addition to consultancy, Skylark Coffee, a roastery created by One Church Brighton, plays a significant role in supporting the project. Skylark was initially established to improve the supply chain and ethics within coffee production. Profits from Skylark are given to social and environmental projects, with a portion supporting Pro Baristas (Read more about Skylark here).

What's more, Pro Baristas offers experience days providing opportunities for corporate groups, hens, stags, birthdays and more to engage in immersive slow brewing sessions, check out the details here.

In just 8 years, Pro Baristas has trained over 2,000 individuals, with an average of 300 trainees each year. Their organic success speaks volumes, as they haven't needed to actively recruit or advertise, highlighting the high demand for their training programs. Their ability to attract aspiring coffee enthusiasts effortlessly showcases the widespread need for accessible and fulfilling career opportunities in the coffee industry. Their story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of inclusive training, offering hope and meaningful pathways to those eager to pursue a career in specialty coffee.

Enrol on a course: Explore the opportunity to enrol in one of Pro Baristas courses to enhance your coffee skills and knowledge.

• Become a mentor: If you're an experienced barista, consider volunteering as a mentor during Pro Baristas drop-in sessions. Your guidance and support can make a difference in the lives of aspiring coffee enthusiasts.

• Purchase Skylark: Support Pro Baristas mission by buying Skylark coffee. You can purchase online or choose to visit and support coffee shops that use Skylark coffee in their offerings. Not only will you be directly supporting their initiative  but will also be contributing to the sustainable coffee movement!

• Book an experience day: Whether it's a corporate event, hen, stag party, or birthday celebration, consider booking an experience day with Pro Baristas. Enjoy a slow brewing session and make memories while supporting their social initiative. 

By taking part in these activities, you contribute to the growth and success of Pro Baristas and help create more opportunities for individuals in the coffee industry.

Images by Tayler Forrester https://www.taylerforrester.com/