The Makers Directory
The comprehensive directory
of people that make,
in and around Lewes
and Eastbourne,
East Sussex
About Us
The Makers Directory is the comprehensive, searchable online directory established to celebrate the local makers in this astonishingly creative patch of Sussex. The Directory covers a wide range of disciplines and showcases makers and artists from around Lewes and Eastbourne, East Sussex, enabling buyers to connect directly with our local makers, for mutual benefit.
A short film about The Makers Directory by Sussex Modern
The Makers Directory is an open resource for anyone to use, and a not-for-profit project, but we offer listing upgrades and advertising opportunities too. If would like to support makers and artists please consider making a donation to the Directory keep the project going - and growing!
Contact us for general editorial enquiries or if you are interested in working together. However, if your enquiry is regarding a specific maker or artist please contact them directly.
““Craft, or the making of anything by hand, whether a ceramic bowl, a basket or a meal, has a scale of 1:1 - each passes directly from one person to one other person.”
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How it all started
The project was set-up early in 2021 by Corina Fletcher Buckwell & Charlotte Parsons.
It was launched with initial support from Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough Councils.
Here your questions are answered…
What is The Makers Directory?
“We created The Makers Directory to help connect buyers directly with local makers for mutual benefit – a one-stop, searchable directory of everyone that makes things in East Sussex, currently in and around Lewes & Eastbourne.
Why did you make it?
“When many of the marketplaces for makers and artists to sell direct to customers were cancelled in 2020 we soon realised that a directory of local makers would be an extremely useful resource for everyone - buyers and makers alike. We then realised that we could, and probably should, do something about it.”
“We both love knowing where our products have come from and like supporting local businesses, but understand that there is more to it than that; by purchasing things made in our own community there is a calculable benefit to the local economy.”
““57% of shoppers say they will be more likely to spend money at a business that offers locally produced products””
How did you do it?
“We then discovered that our local authorities had been thinking of doing something along the same lines, so the project was kindly supported by Lewes District Council & Eastbourne Borough Councils as part of their response to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“Anyone who fulfils the criteria can have a free listing on the Directory. We want to create a network of local makers and will encourage anyone on The Makers Directory to promote the initiative.”
Who are you?
CP: “I have over fifteen years experience in marketing and comms across the publishing, heritage and arts industries, both in Sussex and nationally, but I am probably most known locally for co-ordinating the Artwave Festival.”
CFB: “Having spent more than twenty-five years working as a graphic designer and paper engineer. Since moving back to the area in 2002 I have also become involved with the local creative scene and Sussex tourism. We established four affordable artist’s studios and a sustainable holiday cottage here at Upper Lodge.”
Please note that the businesses listed are not endorsed by The Makers Directory.