io Gallery

I like the range of mediums that the IO gallery tries to have exhibited at any one time. They have a long waiting list to get your work on display and the gallery is in a pretty prime position.
They always seem to have enough cool items in the window to make me pop in to see the current range of work available. Sadly, most of the works I would consider buying tend to be out of my budget, but there are a number of cheaper jeweller’s pieces if you really wanted to leave with a purchase. I wouldn’t say that anything is randomly overpriced, just that they try and stock a broad range of work that has obviously taken time and tears to produce in some instances.
The staff are usually pretty helpful in providing a little more information on a specific artist or idea behind a collection or piece that catches your eye. The one downside is that the shop is a bit cramped and I sometimes get a dose of the fear thinking that I may knock into a sculpture and have to pay up.
It’s a good spot to see some of the local talent’s artistic efforts that should warrant a window shop at minimum.

For some reason, Brighton seems to have a large percentage of artists, sculptors and craft-​makers. If you fancy seeing their work and don’t want have to wait for the annual Artists Open Houses, the io Gallery is a great place to start.
Nestled in the hub of the North Laines, it’s a two storey building that is packed floor to ceiling with the work of local artists. Ornate ceramics, sculptures and vases are nestled exhibited alongside mosaic mirrors, ornaments, lightboxes and lamps. There’s also a big selection of jewellery, prints, canvases, cards and wall art.
The sheer scale and diversity of the work can be a little overwhelming but if you look hard enough, you’re bound to find something you like. My tip is to check out Helen Brown’s woodcuts of the South Downs, Ellie Bond’s soft toys and Screaming Lulu’s embroidered portraits of ‘Tragic Women’. If you want to surprise me, my favourite is the Bette Davis.

I wandered past this little place so many times before I finally went in and discovered that it was full of gorgeous ceramics, glassware, jewellery, paintings, sculptures and more all original, limited edition designs by Brighton-​based artists and designers.
I fell in love immediately with the ceramic jewellery by Stacey Manser-​Knight (
) and Tania Corbett’s seaside-​themed acrylics on canvas are gorgeous (
), but the pieces they sell are a hugely eclectic mix that changes regularly and ranges dramatically in size, price and style.
IO is a fantastic, varied showcase of Brighton talent and a demonstration of what the most gifted, creative artists in and around the City have to offer.

As Jessica says, this is definitely a gallery you’ll find yourself coming back to, rather than just wandering into and having a poke about. There’s the usual mass of art works that you’ll look at and wonder how anyone can afford, but equally there is a good deal of space given over to more affordable Photos and canvases. One in particular really caught the air in my throat. It was about three feet high with some beautifully intricate detail on a series of fish swimming through murky water, with beams of light penetrating the water around them… Very nice indeed.
For those who aren’t keen on paintings (or who already have enough on their walls), you’ll still want to come and see the sculptures on offer. Though not as varied, they’re just as unique… And if you’re just looking for a gift, or something bright and cheap, there are also a series of bits and bobs — like coasters with Battersea power station on one side — that will fit the bill nicely. I also like the sweet layout, with its downstairs space and crammed (though not cramped) upstairs. All in all, a great little shop to pop in when wandering around Brighton.

Of the galleries I’ve wandered through since moving here, io was the first one that I’m sure I’ll return to. The artwork managed to remain impressive and skilful while also having its own quirky style. Collections included paintings, sculptures, jewellery and other accessories, home décor and stitchwork.
My favourites: silver jewellery with cake slice pendants, hair ties with knit bows, the «Tragic Woman» series of stitching and the collaged jewellery boxes (butterfly themed.) Prices ranged from £3 for the hair tie to £300 for the larger sized jewellery box.
Definitely a purchase-​friendly gallery, even for those on a budget.