July – September 2016 townereastbourne.org.uk
Exhibitions & Events
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David Bomberg: A Sense of Place 9 July – 11 September, Free
David Bomberg (1890-1957) is now recognised as one of the most exceptional and original artists of his generation, but he died in 1957 in near obscurity. Son of Jewish immigrants from the East End of London, he was one of the pioneers of early modernism. During the First World War Bomberg fought at the Somme and, having witnessed the atrocities, he spent the rest of his artistic career trying to find or create order, moving frequently, painting and drawing the landscapes of Palestine, Spain, Cyprus, Cornwall and London. Towner holds a number of paintings by Bomberg in the permanent collection, including one of his accomplished Palestine drawings. With loans from national institutions including Tate, Ben Uri Gallery and Southampton City Art Gallery and from private collections, this exhibition brings together a selection of Bomberg’s landscape works to present an overview of the sense of place that he portrayed in these paintings and how each of the landscapes was so significant for him.
Associated Events Teaching Integrity Kate Aspinall Sunday 31 July / 3pm / £8 / £7 conc. & members Bomberg famously proclaimed that art could not be taught, and yet he did teach. Artist and historian Kate Aspinall’s talk will explore Bomberg’s eight year teaching practice and his influence on British 20th century artists, including Dennis Creffield, Gustav Metzger, Leon Kossoff and Frank Auerbach. Curator’s Walk and Talk Thursday 25 August / Thursday 8 September / 12.30pm / Free A look behind the scenes of this compelling exhibition with one of the curatorial team.
Towards ‘The Spirit in the Mass’ Richard Cork Sunday 7 August / 3pm / £8 / £7 conc. & members Today, Bomberg is ranked among the most outstanding British 20th century painters, however, during his lifetime this was not the case. When he died in August 1957 he was largely forgotten, but the process of rediscovery began immediately afterwards. Historian and art critic Richard Cork discusses Bomberg’s life, art and his endeavours to capture ‘The Spirit in the Mass’.
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Cover image: David Bomberg, Evening in the City of London, 1944. Image courtesy of the Museum of London. © The Estate of David Bomberg. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2016
Above: David Bomberg, Moorish Road, Ronda, 1935. Image courtesy of the Daniel Katz Gallery, London. © The Estate of David Bomberg. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2016
Exhibitions & Events
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Some Are Nights Others Stars
Michael Armitage, Ruth Claxton, Tiffany Chung, Siobhán Hapaska and Isaac Julien 23 July – 25 September, Free
Above: Isaac Julien, Green Screen Goddess (Ten Thousand Waves), 2010, Endura Ultra photograph, 180 x 239.8 x 7.5 cm. Courtesy the artist. Towner Collection Acquired with support from Art Fund, Thomas Dane Gallery and a number of private donors.
Some Are Nights Others Stars brings together a diverse selection of international artists whose works embody the contrasting experiences of displacement, loss and separation with the dynamic possibilities of movement, transformation and remembrance. Presented as an interrelated set of experiences, the exhibition weaves together concerns about land, architecture, progress, utopian dreams, inequality, trauma and resistance that refer as much to imagined futures as to the historical past. Encompassing film, installation, sculpture, painting and drawing, this major group exhibition occupies the unique architecture of Towner’s Ground Floor Gallery. Though the selected artists vary in approach, consistent within all the works is their critical engagement, emotional power and ability to create interweaving narratives that suggest multiple states and histories. The title of the exhibition alludes to the poem Ashes by Serbian poet Vasco Popa that begins in loss and rallies against destructive forces and dehumanisation until we become the dreamer and the dreamt, ‘both star and night’.
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Associated Events Artist Talk: Isaac Julien Friday 22 July / 5.30pm / Free Advance booking is required Isaac Julien discusses his current practice focusing on his multi-screen film installation Ten Thousand Waves. Made on location in China this epic work poetically weaves together stories linking the nation’s ancient past and present and explores the movement of people across countries. Uncemented Roots Saturday 6 August / 3pm / Free A dance performance in response to Siobhán Hapaska’s installation Intifada. Conceptualised by Amy Toner in collaboration with performer Jonathan Mewett. Philip Hoare Saturday 13 August / 3pm / £6 / £5 conc. & members Philip Hoare, author of Leviathan or, The Whale presents a response to the exhibition in relation to his own writings about the sea, migrations and the connections between human and natural history. Curator’s Walk and Talk Thursday 15 September / 1pm / Free Join Brian Cass, Head of Exhibitions, Towner, on an informal tour of the exhibition and a discussion about the themes in the show.
Above right: Siobhán Hapaska, Downfall, 2009 - 2015, olive trees, aluminium, electronic motors, electrical cable dimensions variable. Image courtesy of the artist and Kerlin Gallery, Dublin
Film Series: Ashes of Time Key works from Chinese cinema alluded to in Isaac Julien’s multi-screen film installation Ten Thousand Waves. The Goddess Dir: Wu Yonggang / Starring Ruan Lingyu / 1934 / 1hr 49min / Silent Sunday 21 August / 2.45pm / Free A landmark from the golden age of Chinese film, The Goddess tells the story of a devoted young mother who must submit to a life of prostitution in order to provide for her son. Ashes of Time Dir: Wong Kar-wai / Starring Leslie Cheung, Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung / 1992 / 1hr 40min / 15 rated Sunday 11 September / 2.45pm / Free A complex, sparse and beautiful martial arts epic that explores disillusioned love, swordsmen and the trials and hold of memory. The World Dir: Jia Zhangke / Starring Zhao Tao, Chen Taisheng / 2004 / 2hr 23min / 12 rated Sunday 25 September / 2.45pm / Free An allegorical evocation of globalisation, The World is a story of internal and external migrations set in a theme park of the world’s most famous monuments.
Exhibitions & Events
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East Sussex Open
23 July – 25 September, Free
Our Open exhibition brings together the best artists from across the East Sussex region – from Rye to Eastbourne to Brighton & Hove. Presented for the first time in our Second Floor Gallery, East Sussex Open 2016 offers artists and gallery visitors a unique opportunity to present and view works by artists at every level of their career, from new talent to established figures. The 70 artists in this year’s exhibition have been selected by a judging panel consisting of Jenni Lomax, Director of Camden Arts Centre, visual artist Melanie Manchot and Towner’s Head of Exhibitions Brian Cass.
Artists who have previously exhibited work in East Sussex Open have gone to be selected for the John Moore’s Painting Prize, the Jerwood Drawing Prize 2013, the BFI Film Festival in the experimental film category and have been shortlisted for the Mark Tanner Sculpture Prize in 2013.
Above: Dominic Bradnum, The Devil + Idle Hands, 2015, oil on canvas. Courtesy the artist
Exhibitions & Events
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Ravilious Room
Permanent Display,* Free
Towner holds one of the largest public collections of works by artist Eric Ravilious (1903-1942). Our permanent Ravilious Room is a dedicated space to admire a selection of his finest watercolours, prints and ceramics, explore our comprehensive archive and browse books on the artist. To accompany David Bomberg: A Sense of Place, the latest display concentrates on the surroundings of Ravilious’ homes in Sussex, Essex and London. With scenes of the Thames at Hammersmith, the settings of Great Bardfield and Castle Hedingham and views across the South Downs, visitors can take in Ravilious’ own sense of place.
Above: Eric Ravilious, Garden Path, 1934. Towner Collection
*Advance notice: the Ravilious Room will be closed from 12 – 23 September inclusive as we change the display and install our next exhibition, Towards Night, in the First Floor Gallery.
Supported by Eastbourne Arts Circle Eastbourne Arts Circle Talks These popular talks look at the lives and work of great painters through the ages. For dates, please see eastbourneartscircle.org.uk
What’s On
Children & Young People Summer Saturdays Saturdays throughout July and August / Drop in between 11am-3pm / Free Join us for a family workshop led by a different artist each week. Develop a range of skills with freedom to explore at your own pace through play, experimentation or deeper study. Suitable for all ages and abilities, no previous experience required. For those attending more than two workshops an opportunity to complete Arts Award Discover and Explore will be available. 2 July: Drawing & Painting 9 July: Painting & Installation 16 July: Paper Craft & Silk Painting 23 July: All types of printing 30 July: Graphics & Printing 6 August: Assemblage & Up-cycling 13 August: Installation/Recycled Materials 20 August: Ceramics
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Tiny Towner – Summer Special Every Tuesday throughout July and August / Drop in between 10.30am-1pm / Free A new-look weekly creative and sensory session for under 5s. A special focus on the sea, linking with our summer exhibitions - including messy play, story-telling and music-making. 5 July: Buckets & Spades 12 July: Sandcastles 19 July: Treasure Hunts 26 July: Picnics & Ice Cream 2 August: Sunglasses & Hats 9 August: Sea Creatures 16 August: Boats & Fishes 23 August: Lighthouses 30 August: Seashells
Adults Arts in Mind Weekly on Thursdays / 2-5pm / £1 donation An artist-led group supporting mental health through creative development. Referrals through our partnership with Brightview, Sussex Oakleaf.
What’s On
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Photo: Annis Joslin
Tours & Talks Art Store Tours 12pm, alternate Sundays / 10 & 24 July, 7 & 21 Aug, 4 Sept / £6 / £5 conc. & members Go behind the scenes and enjoy a fascinating introduction to Towner’s impressive art collection – from the original Victorian bequest through to Ravilious and other mid-century artists and finishing with our most recent acquisitions. Private Tours We also offer private art store tours at a time of your choice for £7 per head (min. charge £35). Contact towner@townereastbourne.org.uk Viewpoints 28 July, 25 August, 22 September / 2pm / Free A personal view of a particular work in our current exhibitions led by a member of Towner’s staff or wider team. Open Ended 5 July, 2 August, 6 September / 10am-12pm / £3 including refreshments (free for carers) A monthly exploration of our collection and exhibitions designed to support those with memory loss.
Perspectives On... Our themed tours are a great way to learn more about a particular artist, genre or theme represented in our extensive art collection. …David Bomberg Sunday 28 August / 2pm / £6 / £5 conc. & members Whilst our summer exhibition focuses on Bomberg’s landscapes, this tour will focus on his portraits, from charcoal sketches of friends to an opulent oil painting of his sister Kitty. It will also feature works by Dennis Creffield, who studied under Bomberg and joined him as part of the Borough group in the 1950s. …Cartoons by John Piper Saturday 17 September / 2pm / £6 / £5 conc. & members John Piper’s artistic versatility extended across many areas including painting, textile and stage design, photography and printing. Towner holds two of Piper’s outsize preparatory designs (‘cartoons’) for stained glass windows. This is a rare opportunity to view them and learn about their history and recent conservation treatment.
Coming Soon
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Towards Night
Curated by Tom Hammick 24 September – 22 January, Free Towards Night delves into the many interpretations and representations of the theme of night throughout art history. Artist Tom Hammick curates an exhibition that draws together paintings and prints that invite the visitor to experience a journey into a world of wonderment, insomnia and revelry. Towards Night includes works by J.M.W. Turner, Caspar David Friedrich and Edvard Munch alongside contemporary artists such as Peter Doig, Stephen Chambers and Phoebe Unwin. Image: Marc Chagall, The Poet Reclining, 1915. Tate, London. Chagall ® / © ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2016
One Day, Something Happens: Paintings of People
A selection from the Arts Council Collection curated by Jennifer Higgie 8 October – 8 January, Free An exhibition that explores a kind of everyday theatricality. The artists in this exhibition approach figuration in very different ways and depict both imaginary characters and real people. Jennifer Higgie’s fascinating selection of works – from the Arts Council Collection as well as from our own collection – teases out common themes across the decades: work, introspection and individuality, joy and loneliness. Featuring works by artists ranging from Walter Sickert, Lucian Freud and David Hockney to Lynette Yiadom-Boakye. Image: Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Condor and The Mole, 2011. Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London. © the artist
Coastal Culture Trail
Get Involved
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Support Us Membership Support our work by becoming a Towner Member and enjoy invitations to private views and other exclusive events, including a tour of Towner’s Collection, as well as discounts in our café and shop. Join now at townereastbourne.org.uk
The Coastal Culture Trail links three award winning galleries situated along 25 miles of East Sussex coastline – Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne, De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill and Jerwood Gallery in Hastings – and encourages visitors to enjoy their stay in the area by sampling local food, drink and hospitality. For information on how to enjoy the trail by bike, train or on foot visit coastalculturetrail.com or follow @CoastalCultureT Cycle Tours Saturday 30 July, Saturday 24 September / £7 Cycle the Coastal Culture Trail with Sustrans as part of a group. Enjoy the best of the East Sussex coast and guided tours of the latest exhibitions at all three galleries. A fairly gentle cycle which does encounter a couple of busy roads, this tour is recommended for confident cyclists over 12 years.
Project has been funded as part of Driving Devonshire Forward (DDF) initiative by Coastal Communities Fund. DDF is managed by Eastbourne Borough Council & Eastbourne Homes Limited. Image: Brian Booker
Legacies Remembering Towner in your will is a wonderful way to make a lasting impact on future generations’ enjoyment of the gallery and ensures its continued success. All gifts, large or small, make a real difference and will be free of inheritance tax. To discuss your wishes confidentially, please contact clare.dobson@townereastbourne.org.uk or call 01323 434663. Volunteer Volunteers are a vital part of the Towner experience. If you enjoy interacting with people and have an enthusiasm for art then we would love to hear from you. Visit our website or contact volunteer@townereastbourne.org.uk
Services Venue Hire Our spaces are available to hire for daytime and evening events. To find out more contact niamh.pearce@townereastbourne.org.uk or call 01323 434679. Conservation Services We offer professional conservation services undertaken by our fully accredited conservator Corinne Farmer, ACR. To book a free consultation email corinne.farmer@townereastbourne.org.uk or call 01323 434670.
Visitor Information Grange Rd
Grange Rd
College Rd
South St
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Carlisle Rd
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G ro ve Rd Eastbourne Station
Gildredge Road
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Free Admission Opening Hours Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm Bank Holiday Mondays 10am – 5pm Contact Us Towner Art Gallery Devonshire Park, College Road Eastbourne BN21 4JJ +44 (0)1323 434670 towner@townereastbourne.org.uk townereastbourne.org.uk
@townergallery
Accessibility We have a lift to each floor and a wheelchair can be provided. See townereastbourne.org.uk for more information or call us on 01323 434670 to discuss any specific needs. Towner supports the i-go Access All Areas scheme.
Mailing List Receive information about our exhibitions, events and private views. townereastbourne.org.uk/mailing-list
All information contained in this brochure is correct at the time of going to print.
Travel and Parking Walk/Cycle: We are a 10 minute walk from Eastbourne station and a few minutes from the seafront. Follow signs to Devonshire Park. Secure bike racks to the rear of the building. Bus: The number 3 (local service) and 12A (Brighton) stop near the Winter Gardens on Carlisle Road. The 12, 12X, 98 & 99 also stop a short walk from Towner. Train: Direct trains run to Eastbourne from London (1 hr 25 min), Brighton (35 min) and throughout the South East. Car: College Road Car Park is pay & display. There are 11 blue badge holder spaces in the car park next to Towner. Café Urban Ground at Towner is open from 10am – 4.30pm serving top quality coffee, homemade cakes and light lunches. Shop Take home gifts, books, prints and stationery influenced by our collection and exhibitions. You can also shop online at shop.townereastbourne.org.uk
We are very grateful to EY, our corporate supporters. Thanks to Devonshire Park Hotel for their ongoing support.