This September, Towner is launching a weekend of free arts and cultural activity to mark its move to independent charitable Trust. From the opening of a new Ravilious Room, to a late night party open to the public, Towner wants to involve as many of its supporters as it moves into a new era.
The gallery will host a special evening on Friday 12 September which will see all of its exhibitions – including critically acclaimed Peggy Angus, new Collection display Land & Sea, and the new Ravilious Room – open free to the public until 9pm, with a festive party to conclude the night.
The Ravilious Room will allow visitors to learn more about the work of Eric Ravilious (1903-1942), whose iconic images of the Sussex landscape made him one of England’s best loved artists. The room is situated in the first floor gallery and will house a selection of his watercolours, prints, sketches and archive material from our renowned Collection. The Ravilious Room is possibly the first of its kind and has been created thanks to the generous donation from Eastbourne Arts Circle.
Also opening this weekend is Land & Sea, a new contemporary Collection Display that shows seven new works to Towner’s Collection, alongside existing works. New acquisitions are:
- The Short and the Long of It (2010) by Swiss artist Uriel Orlow
- Five works from British artist Matthew Miller
- Eastbourne Pier (2011) by British artist Simon Roberts
As part of the national Heritage Open Days (11-14 September) in which thousands of cultural attractions that are normally closed to the public or charge for admission are open for free, Towner will be offering free Collection Store Tours.
Other free activity in the gallery include family art drop ins, conservation workshops, a talk from Emma Morris, Towner Executive Director on the history of Towner, yoga taster, and a film screening of British classic Quadrophenia.
The Peggy Angus exhibition has inspired two activities taking place that weekend: a one-day symposium in partnership with Manchester School of Art called Women in Print, and a Peggy Angus walk in collaboration with Charleston.
Emma Morris, Executive Director, Towner says: “Towner’s move to Trust is a major milestone and we are thrilled to celebrate this with our supporters, our team and our new Board of Trustees. What better way to say thank you to our audiences, particularly local residents, than a free weekend-long programme of art, culture and fun activity?
Towner, Devonshire Park, College Road, Eastbourne BN21 4JJ, free entry. Open Tues – Sun, and Bank Holidays, 10am – 6pm. For more information see townereastbourne.org.uk
Photo credit: Rohan Van Twest
