Brighton’s Arty: Alison Krog

Market forces

It takes a lot to lure us from our North Laine stomping ground at the weekend. So a recent suggestion to lunch on London Road was accepted with the spirit of adventure. And pretty high expectations – as the invite was extended by the incredibly arty Angie Meaden. She’s a fervent supported of the re-developed Open Market; and after visiting, we can appreciate why. Not only can you support local independents and stock up with everything from artisan bread and East European wines to fancy dress and falafel, it’s also a hotbed of creativity. (Think London’s Spitalfields when it was still cool!)

A few steps from the brilliant new neon signage, and before you enter the covered arena, Studio 45 is the new enterprise by ceramicist Stacey Manser-Knight and her husband Steve. It’s worth a visit to see Stacey’s work alone; delightfully pretty – and truly original – pieces of earthenware decorated with incredible depth and detail. The studio also brings together a wide collection of jewellery, art and crafts by Brighton artisans. In complete contrast, we were also delighted to see that one of the market’s upstairs studios is occupied by an Arty favourite – sculptor Alison McGechie. Alison takes her inspiration from the human form and the results are intense, organic forms that hint at the human condition rather than aim to produce life-like representations.

Don’t miss: Oh no! One of the North Laine’s quirkiest shops is closing at the end of the year.

So if you haven’t discovered the emporium of ephemera that’s Rin Tin Tin on North Road, get there before it goes. Self-confessed ‘social beachcomber’ Rick Irvine has a hoard of collectables and curiosities – with an emphasis on vintage ‘advertising and magazines’ (aka old porn).

Rin Tin Tin, you will be missed!
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