Winter/Spring 2015 by Towner

Towner Devonshire Park College Road Eastbourne BN21 4JJ Telephone 01323 434670 Email towner@townereastbourne.org.uk Web townereastbourne.org.uk Young people facebook.com/GenerateTowner

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towner

Award-winning art gallery

winter / spring 2015 FRONT COVER John Virtue, The Sea, No 4, 2011–2013 back COVER Towner Photographer: Dan Clements design hoopdesign.co.uk

townereastbourne.org.uk Curated by Nathaniel Hepburn Supported by St Jude’s 1

WELCOME FROM emma morris, executive director, towner

appy New Year and welcome to the first Towner brochure for 2015. This season we are presenting the beautiful abstract seascapes by acclaimed British artist John Virtue. This incredible body of work was inspired by the uninterrupted panoramic views across the salt marshes and shingle beaches at his home in Blakeney Point, North Norfolk. We also have an exhibition by UK-based Israeli artist Ori Gersht, whose evocative film Evaders was purchased for our Collection through Art Fund International. Taking the sea as our inspiration, we will be presenting a special film programme. From surf flicks to Japanese animation to documentaries, we’re sure there will be something to delight and interest all tastes. Spring sees the return of our Annual Schools Exhibition, one of my favourite projects, working in partnership with South Downs National Park, Worthing Museum and Art Gallery and Flora Twort Gallery in Petersfield, enabling more schools to take part. Last but not least, I have three exciting pieces of news to share with you: Submissions are now being accepted for East Sussex Open, one of the South East’s biggest exhibitions of regional artists, held yearly here at Towner. See page 3 for more details on how to enter. This February, we are embarking on our first ever crowdfunding campaign, thanks to a partnership with the Art Fund. We are raising money to commission and acquire a new photograph by Austrian artist Hans Schabus that will capture the best of Eastbourne’s rich heritage including the Eastbourne Pier. We hope that you will donate to this ambitious project and of course come see the work exhibited later this autumn. On 12 December, we found out that Towner was named Best Museum/Gallery in The Argus’ Going Out Awards 2014. We were bowled over by this honour. Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to welcoming you to Towner in 2015. Emma Morris Executive Director, Towner

Help commission a unique portrait of Eastbourne

hrough the Art Fund’s crowdfunding platform Art Happens, we are planning to raise the funds to commission a photograph of Eastbourne by Austrian artist Hans Schabus. In October 2015, we are staging an ambitious solo exhibition by the artist. Over the past 13 years, Hans has travelled extensively in a handmade boat - from Vienna to Frankfurt, Venice, Rotterdam and Lisbon. His voyages have formed the basis for a film Hans Schabus, East River, New York, and a fascinating series of photographs. March 26 2002. We want to put Eastbourne alongside these world cities and bring Hans and his boat, which now resides in Austria, on its final voyage to Eastbourne, where he will make a unique photograph with Eastbourne Pier in the background. The new work will be exhibited in the exhibition and then become part of our permanent collection. Help us to make this exciting project happen and get some one-of-a-kind rewards in return. Find out more at townereastbourne.org.uk/hans-schabus-art-fund-appeal

East Sussex Open 2015

pplications are now being accepted for our popular exhibition. East Sussex Open brings together the best artists and makers from across the region – from Rye to Eastbourne to Brighton & Hove. East Sussex Open, 2014 Joining our Head of Contemporary Photograph: Alison Bettles Programmes, Sanna Moore, on the 2015 judging panel are guest selectors Jonathan Watkins, Director of Ikon Gallery, Birmingham and London-based video artist Saskia Olde Wolbers. Entry fee £20 Deadline for entry Sun 1 March 4pm Exhibition runs 11 July–20 September 2015 For more information and to download an application pack, see townereastbourne.org.uk/exhibition/east-sussex-open-2015

John Virtue: The Sea 17 January–12 April

EXHIBITIONS & ASSOCIATED EVENTS

free

Preview Fri 16 January 6.30–8.30pm

John Virtue, The Sea, Painting No.7, 2011–13

spectacular new body of work by the renowned British painter, John Virtue. In The Sea, 12 canvases, 24 paintings on paper and over 100 sketchbooks, all executed in the last three years, will be displayed in our top floor gallery. In a striking departure from the huge paintings of London which formed the subject matter of his highly acclaimed exhibition at the National Gallery as Associate Artist in 2005, these new paintings take the vast, dark expanse of the North Sea as a central theme. An admirer of the great English landscape painters, Turner and Constable, Virtue’s paintings have been compared to oriental brush painting and American abstract expressionism. Andrew Graham-Dixon in conversation with John Virtue Sat 17 January 2pm £10/£9 conc./£7.50 members An exclusive talk with artist John Virtue in conversation with art historian and broadcaster Andrew Graham-Dixon.

The Sea - Curator’s Walk & Talk Thurs 19 February 12.30pm Free Join Sara Cooper, Head of Collections, as she takes you through The Sea and talks about curating the show. The Sea Inside – An Illustrated Talk by Philip Hoare Sat 7 March 1pm £6/£5 conc./£4.50 members Writer and cultural historian Philip Hoare will speak on our physical, spiritual and metaphysical connection with the sea, its birds, and its whales. His book Leviathan or, The Whale won the 2009 Samuel Johnson Prize. Hoare’s most recent

work, The Sea Inside, was published in 2013. He is Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Southampton, and co-curator, with Angela Cockayne, of the Moby-Dick Big Read. Philip will also introduce a screening of the acclaimed documentary Leviathan at 3pm (see page 12 for details). The Sea - Lunchtime Concert Thurs 12 March 12pm £5/£4 conc. & members Surrounded by John Virtue’s dramatic seascapes, this lunchtime performance by a fine duo and small group of singers, led by Elizabeth Muir-Lewis, in our Exhibition Gallery will feature a variety of songs and poetry inspired by the sea.

Ori Gersht: Don’t Look Back 7 February–26 April

free

Preview 6 February 6.30–8.30pm

Ravilious Room Permanent Display

EXHIBITIONS & ASSOCIATED EVENTS

free

Eric Ravilious, The Bedstead, 1939

Until 8 March 2015–Current Display* 12 March–September–New Display* (Please see below for closure/restricted access details) Ori Gersht, Evaders, Far of Mountains and River, 2009

hotographer and filmmaker Ori Gersht’s practice often addresses World War II and post war conflicts by documenting landscapes that have witnessed trauma. This exhibition revisits three bodies of work that capture landscapes that have been the scene of past atrocities, Evaders (2009), Liquidation (2005) and White Noise (1999-2000). The centre piece of the exhibition Evaders was purchased for the Towner Collection in 2011. The two channel film work traces the journey of the GermanJewish critic and philosopher Walter Benjamin in his final days as he fled Nazioccupied France through the Pyrenees in order to reach neutral Portugal. A series of still photographs capture the stark beauty of the winter landscapes of the Pyrenees and the brutal isolation of man battling these elements. In White Noise, Gersht photographed his train journey from Krakow to Auschwitz. Liquidation captures the landscapes around the Ukrainian towns of Kolomyia and Kosov where some of Gersht’s family relatives found harsh haven from Nazi persecution, shown alongside his 2005 film, The Forest. Ori Gersht Artist Talk Sat 28 March 3pm £6/£5 conc./£4.50 members Ori Gersht will talk about the development of his practice in the context of this exhibition.

Don’t Look Back - Curator Walk and Talk Thurs 16 April 12.30pm FREE Sanna Moore, Head of Contemporary Programmes, will talk about the acquisition of Evaders to the Towner Collection and curating this exhibition.

ome and visit our permanent Eric Ravilious Room and explore a selection of his finest works, which includes watercolours, sketches and woodcuts. Towner holds one of the largest public collections of his work, and we are keen to make this popular artist available to our audience in a space where you can sit and linger and enjoy his unique views of Sussex, the South Downs, and surrounding areas. * Access to the room will be restricted from 26 January–7 February as we install our next exhibition in the Collection Gallery. The room will be closed completely from 9-11 March to change the display. Please check with us in advance to plan your visit accordingly. Supported by Eastbourne Arts Circle Eastbourne Arts Circle Talks These popular talks look at the lives and work of great painters through the ages.

Fri 10 April 2.30–4.30pm Dr Prasannajit De Silva. Subject: Captain Cooks’ Voyages

Fri 16 January 2.30–4.30pm John Perrin. Subject: Joseph Beuys (1921–1986) and Gerhard Richter (1932–present)

£10, £8 Eastbourne Arts Circle members Tickets available from: By post from Philip Anson, 34 Martello Rd, Eastbourne BN22 7SS (cheques made payable to Eastbourne Arts Circle with SAE) , in person at Eastbourne Tourist Information Office, Cornfield Rd, Eastbourne BN21 4QA, or on the door. Enquiries 08432 895129

Fri 13 February 11am & 2.30pm Richard Cupidi. Subject: Florentine painter Giotto di Bontone (1267–1337) Fri 13 March 2.30–4.30pm Helen Rufus- Ward. Subject: Exquisite Miniatures, Sculpture in Ivory

Our Place: Annual Schools Exhibition 2015 27 March–31 May

CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE & FAMILIES/ Tiny Towner - for under 5s Every Tues 11am–1pm Free drop-in A welcoming space for the very youngest to explore our exhibitions and get creative with our art resources, including our new Explorer jackets. We also run bookable workshops for under 5’s in partnership with Eastbourne Library. 22 January, 26 February, 19 March 10.30am–12pm £2.50 per child–adults are free For all Tiny Towner sessions, adults must stay with their child. Family drop-in Every Sat, Sun & throughout school holidays Free Art materials, gallery trips and inspiration for families to get creative and make some art of their own, inspired by the exhibitions on show.

John Piper, Newhaven, The Castle, 1936

he South East’s most popular annual exhibition of art work created by schoolchildren returns to Towner in partnership with the South Downs National Park and also with Worthing Museum and Art Gallery and Flora Twort Gallery in Petersfield, extending opportunities for schools to take part across the national park area. This year’s theme will invite schoolchildren to look at the built heritage of the South Downs – whether ancient or modern, domestic or industrial, places of worship or commemoration. Each school will be given a 1m2 ‘plot of land’ to work in for the exhibition, making a floor-based landscape of small scale constructions that reflects the rich resources of the National Park and local museums and galleries. Exhibitions schedule Towner: 27 March–31 May Flora Twort Gallery: 24 March–19 April Worthing Museum and Art Gallery: 23 May–19 September

Half-Term Screening – Ponyo (2008) Tues 17 February 11am Free Join us for a free screening of this delightful animated adventure, plus opportunities to create and colour. See page 11 for more details. Seashells on the Seashore (ages 5-8) Thurs 19 February 11am–1pm £8 per session Inspired by the walks John Virtue made along the North Norfolk shoreline, we will create a group of drawings inspired by the shapes, surfaces and patterns we see in shells and stones collected from the shore. Led by artist Steven Follen.

CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE & FAMILIES

EXHIBITIONS & ASSOCIATED EVENTS

free

The Look of Love Sat 14 February 11am–1pm and 2–4pm Suggested contribution £1 Bring in your favourite person or possession, put them on a pedestal and make a Valentine photograph to show how much you love them.

Wave Forms (ages 8-11) Thurs 19 February 2–4pm £8 per session Using John Virtue’s exhibition as inspiration, we will explore drawing and 3D model-making that capture the sea’s power, movement, shapes and rhythm. Led by artist Steven Follen. Still Life in Sticky Tape (8-11 yrs) Fri 20 February 11–1pm & 2–4pm £8 per session Looking at various still life images from the Collection for inspiration, we will use household objects, take a surface cast in sticky tape and work together to create parts of a large tape still life. We can also make a drawing in various media (including tape) from the still life we have made. Led by artist Hermione Allsopp. 9

Art Relay! Childrens’ workshop sessions Tues 7– Fri 10 April £8 per session Over the Easter school holidays, families and children will have the chance to make art with a range of tools including animation, video, photography, sound, text, collage, drawing and 3D modeling. Children and young people can complete a Discover or Explore Arts Award by coming to four sessions and exhibiting work in the Art Box. Please check the website nearer the time for more specific workshop details.

adult workshops / short courses Drawn to the Page Sat 7 February 10am-1pm £30 Explore Towner’s contemporary exhibition with writer and artist Wendy Ann Greenhalgh as your guide. Fun and revealing creative writing exercises in prose, poetry or autobiography will get you thinking like the artists and developing your own creative responses to the paintings and drawings on display. Developed in partnership with Jerwood, De La Warr Pavilion and New Writing South. Book: newwritingsouth.com

Art Relay! Exhibition Sat 11 April Free The Art Box space will gradually be transformed by the work created during the Art Relay! session, and the project will culminate in an open exhibition and an online gallery. Generate for 13 – 19 year olds Generate is our young people’s group, running every other Sat throughout the year. If you are interested in joining Generate, contact clare.halstead@townereastbourne.org.uk and look out for new opportunities to get involved from April. Like Generate Towner on Facebook facebook.com/GenerateTowner Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/GenerateTowner

Do your Arts Award with Towner! Work on your portfolio at our free Arts Award Drop-in sessions, which run once a month on Sats 1-4pm: 10 January, 7 February, 7 March

Curious Projects: Contemporary art: history and ideas Sun 8, 15 & 22 March 10.40am–4.40pm £120/£90 Towner & Blue Monkey members Join Dr Emilia Terracciano on a three-day course on contemporary visual culture and postmodern art in its historical and cultural context. The course, presented by Curious Projects, will be taught through lectures as well as some short readings and group discussions. No prior knowledge required. Book: curious-projects.co.uk

FILMS Sea Interludes – The Sea on Film Inspired by John Virtue’s powerful seascapes, we’ve gathered an eclectic selection of films that respond to the theme of the sea. From visceral action to existential explorations of ‘the deep’, the films evidence the compelling lure of the sea as a narrative and symbolic device for artists across all genres.

adults / films

CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE & FAMILIES / adults

Art Relay! family drop-in Mon 6 April FREE The first of five days of fun activities with our artist educators.

From the Sea to the Land Beyond (2012) Sun 1 February 3pm £4/£3.50 conc./£3 members Rated 12, suitable for aged 12 and over Penny Woolcock’s award-winning documentary celebrates a century of life on the British coastline, joined by a powerful soundtrack by British Sea Power. Made from over 100 years of BFI archive footage, the film offers a poetic meditation on Britain’s coastline and the role it plays in our lives.

Image by BurnAway via Wikimedia Commons

New Year Resolutions for Artists: Developing a Strategy for your Future Sat 21 February 10.30am–4.30pm £89.00 inc materials, refreshments & snack lunch £59.00 conc., Blue Monkey & Towner members This one-day workshop will help you identify what success really means to you as an artist, appreciate your strengths and challenge your weaknesses, then develop a plan for accomplishment while increasing your ability to ‘stick with it’. During the day participants will cover personal management, attitude, pricing, presentation and marketing as well as working on a method to ensure you create the best work you can. The workshop is suitable for artists at all levels of development, particularly those who wish to develop work to sell. It is also appropriate for those in other creative areas such as writing or performance. Max 10 participants. To book your place email bluemonkeynet@btinternet.com or phone 07713 287365

Open Ended First Tues of every month 10am–12pm £4/£3 conc. and carers come free Inspired by a ground breaking project at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Open-Ended is a special initiative for people with memory loss problems and their carers. More of a conversation through art than a formal tour, each visit provides an opportunity to explore artwork from our collection, supported by a member of staff. We can also accommodate group bookings – please phone 01323 434670 for details.

Half-Term Screening – Ponyo (2008) Wed 18 February 11am Free Rated Universal, suitable for all ages Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid, Japanese animation Ponyo tells the fantastical story of a young and eager goldfish and her quest to become a human. The screening will include an opportunity to create or colour your own fantastical characters.

Leviathan (2012) (introduced by Philip Hoare) Sat 7 March 3pm £5/£4 conc./£3.50 members Suitable for aged 12 and over Leviathan is a powerful documentary that plunges the viewer into the sights and sounds of the savage world of North American commercial fishing. Using tiny waterproof cameras and nonlinear editing, the directors create an experience that verges on the hallucinatory and apocalyptic. The screening will be introduced by writer Philip Hoare (Leviathan; The Sea Inside), who will also present a talk about his own work at 1pm. (see page 5 for details)

Surf Double Bill Sun 29 March £4/£3.50 conc./£3 members (per film) A Scene at the Sea (1991) 1pm Rated U, suitable for all ages This gentle and poignant early film by acclaimed Japanese director Takeshi Kitano tells the story of a young hearing impaired couple whose lives are dramatically changed when the man finds an old surfboard and becomes determined to master the waves. Riding Giants (2004) 3pm Rated PG, suitable for age 8 and up Stacy Peralta’s superb cult documentary offers a multigenerational insiders look at the origins of surfing: the colourful and subversive birth of surf culture, and the mythology and the lure of “the big wave”. For Those in Peril (2013) Sun 12 April 3pm £4/£3.50 conc./£3 members Rated 18, suitable for age 18 and up Aaron, a young misfit living in a remote Scottish fishing village, is the lone survivor of a mysterious fishing accident that claimed the lives of five men, including his brother. Spurred on by sea-going folklore and superstitions, the village blames Aaron for the tragedy, making him an outcast. Refusing to believe his brother is dead and possessed by grief and madness, he sets out to recover him. This project is supported by Film Hub South East with National Lottery funds distributed by the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN).

art store tours

Towner Collection Store. Photo: Rob Walker

‘Perspectives On…’ Themed Tours Our new bi-monthly ‘Perspectives On…’ Themed Tours are a great way to learn more about a particular artist, genre or theme featured in Towner’s extensive art Collection.

Perspectives on…The Berwick Murals Fri 3 April 2pm £6/£5 conc./£4.50 members One of the hidden treasures in Towner’s Collection store is our collection of sketches produced by Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell in preparation for their murals in Berwick Church. Carefully revealing these delicate works on paper, our expert guide will talk about the background to the murals and the creative process that was involved.

tours

films

Swandown & Edgeland Mutter (plus Q&A) Fri 27 February 7.30pm £5/£4 conc./£3.50 members No rating Swandown, a film by artist and filmmaker Andrew Kötting and writer Iain Sinclair, follows the duo as they pedal a swan pedalo from Hastings down the River Thames to Hackney. The duo’s short film Edgeland Mutter, described as a ‘reminisce and flawed celebration’ of Hastings, will open the evening.

Art Store Tours Alternate Sundays 12pm £6/£5 conc./£4.50 members These hour-long guided tours offer a fascinating and engaging introduction to Towner’s impressive art Collection. Guided by one of our knowledgeable gallery team, you will learn about the story of our Collection, from the original Victorian narrative paintings bequest in the 1920s, through to some of our recent acquisitions of works by contemporary artists. Although key artists such as Eric Ravilious will always feature, there is flexibility for visitors to make specific requests, ensuring no two tours are ever the same. Dates: 11 January, 25 January, 8 February, 22 February, 8 March, 22 March, 5 April, 19 April

Alfred Wallis, Steamer, c.1922–1942

Perspectives on…Alfred Wallis Sat 14 February 2pm £6/£5 conc./£4.50 members Towner’s permanent Collection includes many marine views and nautical themes, among them several works by Alfred Wallis (1855–1942), a master mariner and later a self-taught artist who lived most of his life in Cornwall. With our expert guide you will be able to look at Wallis’ paintings in close detail, as well as exploring a number of other seascapes that feature in our Collection.

Eric Ravilious, Westbury Horse, 1939

Exclusive Private Tours We also offer exclusive private tours of our Collection store at a time of your choice for £7 per head (minimum charge £35). An ideal gift for any art lover or an inspiring social excursion for your group. Contact: towner@townereastbourne.org.uk 13

Information and bookings Towner, Devonshire Park, College Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4JJ Tel: 01323 434670 Opening times Tuesday–Sunday 10am–5pm Bank Holiday Mondays 10am–5pm

VENUE HIRE Towner’s versatile and stylish spaces are available to hire and can accommodate a wide range of events, from small meetings to wedding receptions and product launches. Bespoke packages can be created, incorporating gallery tours and opportunities to view our Collection as well as delicious catering options from Urban Ground. Contact Niamh Pearce on 01323 434670 or roomhire@townereastbourne.org.uk to discuss your requirements.

Admission is free Email towner@townereastbourne.org.uk Web townereastbourne.org.uk Follow us on facebookcom/townergallery twitter.com/townergallery instagram.com/townergallery Travel and parking Towner is only a 10-minute walk from Eastbourne train station and a few minutes from the seafront. Follow signs to Devonshire Park. The no. 3 bus stops next to the Congress Theatre adjacent to Towner. By train, Eastbourne is 35-minutes from Brighton and just 1hr 25 mins from London. There are direct rail links from London, Brighton and throughout the South East – see our website. By bus, Eastbourne is 1 hour from Brighton. College Road car park is pay and display. There are 7 blue badge holder spaces in the car park next to Towner.

SHOP Visit our shop to find inspiring art, original locally made products and special gifts for all ages. Our stock is influenced by our Collection and exhibitions, with a strong focus on Eric Ravilious merchandise and limited edition Giclee prints by a range of artists. Recent additions to our Giclee print range include Ravilious’ Cuckmere Haven and Lombardy Poplars. This Spring, we will have a new series of Ravilious postcards on sale. Selected items are also available from our online shop: shop.townereastbourne.org.uk/ URBAN GROUND Our top floor café is the perfect spot to relax, meet friends and enjoy great stunning views across Eastbourne and the South Downs. Choose from a menu of delicious sweet and savoury treats, ranging from filled Lebanese flatbread to Portuguese custard tarts and polenta cake and a full range of speciality teas and handroasted direct-trade coffee.

Become a volunteer Volunteers are a key part of the Towner team, and we welcome applications throughout the year. If you interested in art, love interacting with people and are keen to develop new skills or gain experience, then we would love to hear from you. For more information visit our website or contact volunteer@townereastbourne.org.uk SUPPORT US

Conservation Services Do you have a painting, print or object that requires specialist cleaning or repair? Towner is pleased to now offer conservation services to the general public. The work will be carried out by our fully accredited conservation specialist, Corrine Farmer ACR. To book a free consultation, contact Corinne on corinne.farmer@townereastbourneorg.uk or 01323 434670

Membership Join us and discover more with membership. Become a member of Towner, and you can start enjoying the many benefits membership offers while allowing us to continue to make art accessible to all. Sign up at townereastbourne.org.uk/join-us/membership/ Mailing list Join our e-newsletter mailing list to receive information about our exhibitions, events, special offers, and invitations to private views. Sign up at townereastbourne.org.uk/mailing-list/

VISITOR INFORMATION / SUPPORT US

VISITOR INFORMATION

Visitor Information

® Collective Trade Mark of PACR Accredited Conservator-Restorer

We are very grateful to EY, our corporate supporters. Thanks to Devonshire Park Hotel for their ongoing support.

Access all areas

Towner supports the i-go ACCESS ALL AREAS scheme, an initiative to improve access to leisure activities for children and young people with disabilities and special needs across East Sussex. Towner is accessible to all. There is a lift to all floors. A manual wheelchair can be provided. See our website for more information on how we can meet your access requirements. 14