Exhibition

The Towner Collection comprises over 5000 artworks that individually and collectively reflect and reveal the history of Towner as a public art gallery in Eastbourne since 1923. Sited in Sussex, the Collection features many landscapes and seascapes that draw inspiration from this unique location.  From 1923 the collection was kept inside Towner’s first home, an 18th century manor house, for almost 90 years. In 2009 Towner moved into a purpose-built modernist-style gallery where we celebrate its centenary.

The Living Collection will consider Towner’s broad and varied history of collecting and exhibiting over the past one hundred years through a selection of paintings, prints and artefacts. This celebratory display offers Towner and its communities the occasion to look back to appreciate the past as well as the opportunity to look forward as we envision its future. Expect to see artists such as Eric Ravilious, Edward Wadsworth, Vanessa Bell, Gertrude Hermes, William Gear and Greta Delleany.

Lunchtime Responses are a new series of events where members of the Towner team invite you to a conversation in the gallery.

You’ll hear new perspectives, unique takes and personal stories about the varied works in the Towner Collection.

If you are visiting the exhibition, you can download a large print copy of the wall texts. You can also access printed guides in the gallery by asking a member of staff at the exhibition entrance.

Ask one of our Front of House team about our summer 2023 Activity Kit Bags, which include a small sketchbook, pencils, sensory materials and a printout of this Trail Worksheet, which you can also download below:

In the text panels and labels for our TOWNER 100 exhibitions you will find a glossary of words that are often associated with a collection of artworks.

The words help describe what a collection is, how artworks come into a collection and some of the actions used when looking after artworks.

Read our TOWNER 100 glossary

Towner strives to host inclusive, accessible exhibitions. If you have any questions, please talk to a member of staff or contact us on towner@townereastbourne.org.uk 

○ There is one set of large, heavy glass doors leading into and out of the exhibition.

○ The artworks in this exhibition should not be touched.

○ The reading level of the wall text and labels is 10+ years.

○ Large print guides are available.

○ Audio guides are not available.

○ Braille guides are not available.

○ Easy Read guides are not available

○ The gallery space is well-lit but not bright.

○ All spaces are scent-free.

○ The galleries are busiest between 11.00am and 2.00pm.

○ Some seating is available in the space. Portable seating is available on request.

○ Ear plugs, ear defenders, magnifying glasses, and wheelchairs are available.

○ A quiet relaxed space with low lighting is available in Ravilious Gallery and Collection Library next door.

○ A gender-neutral, wheelchair-accessible bathroom can be found on the ground floor.

○ Comfortable space for service animals to rest can be found in the ground floor foyer, with watering facilities available in the nearby cafe.