A trip to the Magnificent Motor display in Eastbourne recently led me into the Towner Eastbourne, in part because I am so compelled by the exterior (designed by Lothar Götz and called Dance Diagonal). I can’t help but always stop and admire this dazzling display and once you’re outside the Towner well, you may as well head in to see what’s afoot.
For those that don’t know it, the Towner Eastbourne is one of our county’s best art galleries in terms of both collecting and exhibiting contemporary art. It hosts exhibitions of national and international importance, showcasing the most exciting and creative developments in modern and contemporary art. They always seem to have a diverse and thought-provoking list of events and exhibitions.
The Towner Collection
The Towner Collection began in 1920 with Alderman John Chisholm Towner’s bequest of 20 paintings to the people of Eastbourne. Since then the collection has grown, at first with Sussex landscape paintings but later with the addition of pictures by Sussex artists regardless of subject matter and later still, by including paintings by non-Sussex artists. From October, you can go behind the scenes a to see the impressive Collection of over 5000 works in the Towner art store. Starting with the original Victorian bequest, you can see works by artists such as Eric Ravilious, Duncan Grant, Sandra Blow, Alfred Wallis and Tacita Dean.
Ravilious
The Ravilious Gallery and Collection Library, supported by Eastbourne Arts Circle, is a room in Gallery 1 presenting changing exhibitions of works by Eric Ravilious selected from Towner’s collection of his work.
Whatever your tastes and preferences, it’s always worth checking in regularly to see what’s on at the Towner, and if you find yourself in this part of Sussex, just set aside a little time to enjoy one of Eastbourne’s great cultural attractions.
If you’re visiting the Towner in Eastbourne, you may also enjoy:
