Meet Artist Residence Founder, Charlotte Salisbury

We’ve teamed up with Charlotte and the Artist Residence team for a special art takeover in one of their iconic Brighton seafront rooms. Curated by our expert team, Room 25 now showcases standout works from our collection, including prints by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Robert Indiana, alongside a limited edition by Bella Freud.

Q: We love the story behind your name Artist Residence - can you tell us about the history of your first hotel in Brighton and how it came to be?

A: It all started way back when my husband Justin had a family guesthouse that was rather run down (think frilly net curtains, a lot of beige and swirly brown carpets) - but in a great location with brilliant sea-views over the West Pier. Fresh out of university, and with his grandmother who was running it but who was getting older, he knew he needed to make the guesthouse stand out and reinvent it. So he put an advert out for a 'call for artists' to decorate the rooms in return for board and lodgings. It all went from there and we ended up using the breakfast room as a gallery for pop up shows to support up and coming artists. The reason the name 'Artist Residence' exists is that some of the artists loved the vibe and ended up working to run the hotel alongside Artist Residencies to focus on creating works for the shows. It was such a whole load of fun! 

Q: Your interior aesthetic is instantly recognisable yet every room and hotel has its own identity. How do you approach this?

A: Why thank you! The sense of place is important to us, so we approach the design sensitively around the surroundings to create a unique and original experience. Many hotels have a cookie-cutter approach, whereas we want to reflect the individuality and soul of a place. Art has always played such a big part in the design process. We are a big believer that art can really make you feel good, so we design the interiors very much with art in mind. 

Q: How do you collect art for the hotels and does your Art History degree come into play?

A: For my dissertation I studied street and urban art, and loved how you could turn a corner in the greyest environment and there would be this explosion of colour that can instantly make you feel good - and you didn't need to be in a gallery to experience this. I love the 'community' feel of urban art that transcends the traditional white box gallery, to make people feel comfortable and share love through art. This was the ethos that I wanted for the art and hospitality. Never stuffy, but art and genuinely friendly hospitality that makes you feel good or makes you smile. A lot of the art that is showcased across each of the hotels has been collected over time, from local artists to art fairs, to car boot sales to great relationships that we have developed over the years with some of the many fantastic galleries across the UK. 

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of art in the hotel collection?

A: Oh gosh, this is a tricky one! One of my favourite pieces is the Harland Miller 'Love Saves the Day' that is a pride of place in our restaurant space in London. A friend who worked at The White Cube Gallery helped us get it back before Harland became an even more renowned artist that he is today. It's such a "feel-good" print with such a great message and positive affirmation (whilst also being bright pink). The print also has personal resonance as this is when we launched The Cambridge Street - the hotel's all-day café and bistro - it really tied the whole aesthetic together and was our first ever restaurant that we had launched, whilst also being pregnant with my son. So it really does have an emotional resonance. 

The other piece I love is 'Party Like It's 1999' by David Buonaguidi. It's huge, glittery, bright pink and just reminds us to have fun, party and create memories - I like to think it's good for the soul! 

Q: Have you discovered any artists recently that have inspired you?

A: I really love Phoebe Boddy's work. We have two original paintings from her, and just love the naivety, lightness and playfulness of her work alongside the broad brush stroke textures. Another artist we love working with is Gommie who paints over old maps with the most beautiful poetry. 

Q: Please share your must-see spots for a weekend in Brighton

A: There are so many wonderful things to do in Brighton! I love the Brighton Pavillion, the eccentric nature and original aesthetic of it is awe-inspiring, with so many beautiful details of true artistry and craftsmanship. It is also so fun to wander along the beachfront, soaking in the sea air and eclectic character of Brighton. The Laines are always fun to wander around in, so many cute and cosy spots as you turn every corner.