A Glimpse of the Past…
Anni Townend, Creator and Collaborator, recalls how the concept of The Grain Store came to fruition.
Concept drawing by Liam Wales.
Long before The Grain Store became what it is today I had a vision to convert it into a place that people could stay in and explore the surrounding beautiful South Downs Way, visit Lewes and nearby areas such as Seaford, Firle, Charleston, Alfriston and further afield; a place where teams and Boards could meet for a day to create and collaborate, and a place that people could use for their creative photoshoots.
In the concept drawing (above) Liam Wales drew and painted my vision which at the time were a few drawings on the back of a large envelope, some sketchy plans, and a conversation with him as we walked around what was then an asbestos roofed, breeze blocked redundant farm building machinery having become too big to harvest the grain and store it in the building. The plans were accepted for a conversion meaning that we kept the original concrete structure which totally lent itself to the big windows drawn here by Liam overlooking rolling farmed fields onto the South Downs.
I look at the beautiful picture by Liam, framed and hung in The Grain Store, and marvel at it for it is how The Grain Store looks now it has been converted!
Thank you to Liam and to the team of people who made The Grain Store what it is, each lovingly contributing their expertise and knowledge, and applying it to the building, and making it a place which from the beginning has been all about co-creating, collaborating and team working.
Thank you to everyone who was, and is part of The Grain Store team.
Photo of The Grain Store, for comparison to the concept drawing.
To see more images of The Grain Store and the conversion view our story here.
We look forward to welcoming you to The Grain Store for your business meeting, for your creative photoshoot and for a stay.
Immerse yourself in nature and rediscover your creative side
Set in the heart of the South Downs National Park, The Grain Store Lewes is the ideal base from which to explore the surrounding nature. To find out more about the space we offer, or if you’d like any further information about The Grain Store, contact our team:
+44 (0)1273 713 339