Royal British Legion used The Eagle Brewery, currently known as the Old Brewery, to
establish a club in March 1928. The Eagle Brewery was acquired by Alfred Leney and Co of
Dover in around 1896 and was then acquired by Fremlins Ltd before closing its doors in the
1920’s. However, in 1928 it was reopened and owned by ‘Dapper’ Martin who used the
building for storing and repairing fishing nets.
Eventually the Royal British legion bought the property after the heir of ‘Dapper’ Martin sold off the premises in the early 1950’s. The facility was used to help men who had come out of the services after world war two and, during the 1970’s, was converted to meet the demand for snooker facilities.
Now occupied by Rye Studio School, ‘The Old Brewery’ is used for the School’s foundation course. Last October the college began renting the building which they found online through an estate agent. They negotiated terms with the owner, the Royal British Legion, who agreed to let it out. The idea of the Brewery is to use the facility like a co-op, allowing the public to come and talk to students as well as buying their work. It also allows students to have engagements with artists from East Sussex and beyond.
Currently there are just 8 students using the building. However, this September approximately 17 students are expected to join the course, which allows them to access the more competitive places for University. On the course there are a range of options including: textiles, photography, fine art and graphics. This year they will also be able to study creative media at foundation level.
A large amount of students enjoy using the facility as it has been converted into a studying
area as well as a casual venue. The Bar is still available for social functions such as Year
13’s launch party for their new CD (see below). The snooker tables have been converted to be used as work tables and the old dance room is now used for lectures. All of the interior of the
building is designed to have more than one use, for the college or public.
Just as a reminder: The Campfire Album’s launch party is at The Old Brewery on May 3 from 7:00pm and is open to the public. Please come down to celebrate the launch of the CD and help raise money towards two great charities; The Oliver Curd Trust and St Michael’s Hospice.
Photos: Rochelle Jerrum-Dore