In the post-war years, catering giant J. Lyons & Co. commissioned three series of lithographs from some of Britain’s most popular artists – including Edward Bawden, John Piper, David Gentleman, John Minton, William Scott and John Nash
The lithographs were commissioned to combat a wartime decline in the interior décor of their famous teashops, and a post-war austerity lack of decorating material! Through the company’s imaginative approach to interior decoration, the cream of modern British art reached a wider public audience.
We will be showing all three series of lithographs from the Towner Collection, alongside some of the original paintings and working drawings.
Step back in time to experience a Great British institution at a time when great art overcame austerity.
Feed your nostalgia with a visit to the Towner café for a special Lyons-inspired experience of ‘tea and a slice of art’.
The Lyons Teashops Lithographs: Art in a time of Austerity
13 July – 22 September 2013
£5.50 / £4 concession / Towner members and under 16s free
Towner
Devonshire Park
College Road
Eastbourne BN21 4JJ
