An artist living in the home that inspired Cluedo has claimed the village history fuels her creativity.
Children’s book illustrator and artist, Amanda Rosenstein–Davidson, moved to Rottingdean in 2010 and revealed how the building’s colourful past continues to influence her work today.
The 68-year-old transformed the property’s murder mystery heritage into exhibitions and artworks after discovering its connection to the world-famous board game.
While originally working as a gallery organiser for The Grange Art Gallery, she now serves as the chairman for the 102-year-old Society of Sussex Painters.
Amanda cited The Grange as an important place for artists as there are “very few” affordable galleries available.
She said: “I live here in Tudor Close, in what was once the Butler’s Quarters.
“Cluedo may not have been invented here, but it was certainly inspired by Murder at Tudor Close, which was the game’s original title.
“That story became the inspiration for what was probably the first exhibition I created and displayed at the Grange Gallery. I also developed it into an Artist Open House here during the festival.”
Amanda’s story comes after research, commissioned by VodafoneThree, reveals how mobile connectivity helps turn inspiration into opportunity.
The study of 2,000 Brits found the best ideas come while outside the home, while walking (33%), spending time alone (33%) and when in nature (29%).
Many are also most likely to be inspired while at the coast or beach(36%), in the countryside (34%) or in woodlands or forests (24%).
While 74% felt inspired by their everyday surroundings, 55% claimed their local area fuels their inspiration.
For the Rottingdean artist, inspiration is ‘something you believe in’ and she believes in ‘striking while the iron’s hot’.
Amanda added: “We’re constantly working; you never turn it off.
“Your connection to your mobile phone is now crucial, more so than ever, as you can make your decisions more instantly; it’s not a case of waiting till you get to the office or the studio.
“I really like making my Instagram posts – I’ve still got quite a way to go with it, but I’m building up followers, I’m quite pleased with that, and I get particularly excited by following other artists coming to Rottingdean.”
According to the data from OnePoll.com, more than 17 millionmoments of inspiration become real side hustles or small businesses across the UK every year.
Of those who have ever started a business or side hustle, 11% got their inspiration while spending time alone, 9% talking to friends or family, and 8% while walking.
The study found that when an idea strikes, 35% use their smartphone to immediately search for more information.
The study also found that 22% have used their connection to work remotely, collaborate with other people (20%) and share creative work (18%).
It also emerged that 92% find their phone helpful for capturing or developing ideas, while 87% say mobile connectivity is important when they want to act on an idea or opportunity immediately.
Overall, 55% said getting online while out and about has helped them turn inspiration into something tangible.
To celebrate the places inspiring creativity and driving regional economic growth, Vodafone is bringing ‘Opportunity Hubs’ to locations across the country where network improvements are helping people stay connected, seize opportunities and turn inspiration into action.
To help locals in Rottingdean, Vodafone’s Opportunity Hub will offer practical workshops from Enterprise Nation, free professional headshots and expert advice, showing how connectivity can help transform ambitions into hobbies, side hustles or businesses.
Andrea Dona, chief network officer at VodafoneThree, said: “As our research shows, we reach for our phones the moment inspiration strikes – another reason why fast, reliable connectivity is so important.
“It’s also why we’re investing £11 billion to build the UK’s best network, delivering high-quality connectivity to every corner of the country.
“That includes Rottingdean, where Vodafone customers can now access up to seven times faster 5G speeds thanks to our recent network upgrades.
“By delivering stronger, more reliable connectivity, we’re helping people stay connected and make the most of every opportunity, wherever inspiration strikes.”
