Crafting a Legacy: From Dunstan Pruden to Pruden and Smith (a jewellery workshop tour)
Pruden Smith, 2 South Street, Ditchling, East Sussex, BN6 8UQ
Step inside the jewellery workshop of Pruden and Smith for a special behind-the-scenes tour exploring Ditchling’s rich Arts & Crafts heritage.
Visitors will have the rare opportunity to get up close to original works by goldsmith and silversmith Dunstan Pruden. Dunstan was a member of the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic, an influential Roman Catholic community of artists and craftspeople founded in Ditchling in the 1920s. He trained and worked in London before moving to Ditchling to join the guild in the 1930s. He taught silversmithing at Brighton Art College for more than thirty years and wrote a book on Silversmithing which was published by St Dominic’s Press. Pruden and Smith co-founder Anton Pruden was inspired by his grandfather’s legacy and trained as a silversmith, before establishing Pruden and Smith with Rebecca Smith in 1988.
During the session, visitors will be able to handle works and ask questions about the techniques, materials, and craftsmanship involved in making them. They will also discover how contemporary goldsmiths handcraft jewellery using state-of-the-art technology, alongside heritage techniques and tools, including some of Dunstan’s original tools.
Some of Dunstan’s works and tools form part of the collection at the Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, with the museum temporarily closed during 2026, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with Dunstan Pruden’s work and explore the continuing tradition of craftsmanship in Ditchling.
Timings
- Friday 11 September:
- 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
- Saturday 12 September:
- 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
- Monday 14 September:
- 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
- Tuesday 15 September:
- 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
- Wednesday 16 September:
- 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
- Thursday 17 September:
- 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
- Friday 18 September:
- 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
- Saturday 19 September:
- 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
Location & directions
Pruden Smith, 2 South Street, Ditchling, East Sussex, BN6 8UQ
- Directions:
- Ditchling is around 15–20 minutes north of Brighton by car. The nearest railway station is Hassocks, from there Ditchling is around 5-10 minutes by taxi or approximately 35 minutes on foot. The Compass Travel 167 Village Rider bus operates a limited service on weekdays between Lewes, Plumpton, Ditchling, and Burgess Hill, check the Compass Travel website for the latest timetable.
- Telephone number:
- +441273846338
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Book online at prudenandsmith.com/pages/book-appointment: under 'Appointment Type' select 'Ditchling Store', under 'Reason For Appointment' select 'Workshop Tour'. You can also book via by phone or email.
- Booking telephone number:
- +441273846338
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.prudenandsmith.com/pages/book-appointment
Accessibility details
Ramp access from street level can be provided upon request, however, the workshop tour includes access to basement-level studio spaces via a staircase which may not be suitable for visitors with limited mobility. The workshops are active working spaces and may include uneven flooring, narrow walkways and periods of standing. Visitors with specific access requirements are encouraged to contact us in advance so arrangements can be discussed where possible.
Additional information
Free Parking is available in the village Hall carpark. Ditchling village has a selection of excellent cafés and pubs to find refreshments during your visit, as well as world class vineyards who offer tours and tastings. Check out VisitDitchling.co.uk for more information about this wonderful historic village.
- Estimated duration:
- 45 hour(s)
