My Sussex: Charlotte Colbert

Charlotte Colbert in her Lewes FC design
Photo by Andrew Farrar

What attracted you to Sussex?

Sussex was the last county to convert from paganism to monotheism – it’s full of magic, eccentrics, free-thinkers, artists, musicians and rebels. Lewes is where Rights of Man author Thomas Paine began his career as a political philosopher and every year the epic Bonfire Night showcases creative and tongue-in-cheek irreverence towards UK politics and political figures. It feels like historically quite a lot of people came here and reinvented systems of living –the Charleston group for example, but also Kipling with his Jungle Book or Edward James’ Surrealist house.

Tell us a bit about your current creative practice…

My last show, Dreamland Sirens, during Frieze London, showcased a four-metre stainless steel eye sculpture which encouraged the viewer to go down the rabbit hole and question the structures and systems we live in and take for granted. Using Alice in Wonderland as a springboard, it suggests that as we live in imagined structures (this keyboard was imagined, this building, your shirt), then what we imagine today becomes our reality tomorrow. So imagination is like a super power that we all have and which can effect meaningful change. Recently I’ve collaborated with Lewes FC, bringing my eye symbol to their playing kit and a range of merchandise and posters. Lewes FC are 100% community-owned and give equal opportunity to their female and male players in terms of training and pay. They are super inspiring, and community driven, which in the age of corporate monopolies feels like the only way to save democracy. They enact the changes they want to see.

Do you find Sussex an inspiring place to work in?

I edited my film She Will (with Malcolm McDowell, Rupert Everett, Alice Krige and Kota Eberhardt) in Sussex. I really wanted the legendary Clint Mansell to do the music and when we sent him the rough cut to see if he would agree, I urged all the spirits of Sussex to whisper in his ear. It worked! He watched the cut eight times in 24 hours and said “it’s magic and trippy as hell, count me in.” So the spirits of Sussex are in the credits under ‘special thanks.’

As a filmmaker, are there any Sussex cinemas you’re particularly fond of?

Lewes Depot is great for its wonderful curation of films, and I love the Picture House in Uckfield.

And as an artist, what’s your favourite Sussex gallery?

Charleston have opened a new space in Lewes, which is great! And the coffee shop is filled with pickle jars which I am very partial to.

Tell us about your favourite architectural and natural landmarks in Sussex.

I am not sure if anything can beat the Seven Sisters cliffs.

When did you last swim in the sea or climb to the top of a Down?

Rottingdean or the Seven Sisters are the dream! Followed by fish and chips on the beach, with the unfinished bits thrown to the seagulls. One year I pushed it too far and swam on Christmas Day, which nearly killed me.

What do you think of Brighton?

I lived in Montreal in Canada and Brighton has a very similar vibe: liberal, creative, accepting and sweet.

Tell us about your favourite Sussex restaurant, and pub, and why you like them.

I just tried Fork in Lewes which is incredible! My friend opened the amazing BAYTE in St Leonards. But generally, I love a pub: The Tiger Inn in East Dean, The Rights of Man in Lewes and the Lewes Arms, of course.

Tell us a Sussex secret.

East Grinstead has been described as the ‘Twin Peaks’ of England. Plastic surgeon Archibald McIndoe set up his Guinea Pig Club there in 1939, treating severe burns and disfigurement and encouraging town-folk to welcome, host and thus help the recovery process of these people who had gone through very traumatic experiences. They say the town’s spirit of acceptance and inclusiveness emerged from there.