Robert Tavener Shape Pattern Colour: The Art of Printmaking

Spanning the career of artist Robert Tavener (1920-2004) this exhibition brings together a range of lithographs, linocuts and illustrations drawn from the collections held by Towner and Emma Mason.

A prolific printmaker, Tavener was inspired by his surroundings in London and Kent where he lived and worked in his early career, and the Sussex coast and South Downs following his move to Eastbourne in 1953, a place he loved and where he lived for the rest of his life.

Tavener was appointed Head of Printmaking at Eastbourne College of Art, setting up a thriving and highly respected department, at the same time producing illustrations for children's books and completing commissions for London Transport, Shell, the BBC, and the Radio Times. In 1958 he was invited to illustrate the diary for the Kynoch Press, following in the footsteps of fellow Eastbourne artist Eric Ravilious. 

Taveners' prints are varied, bold and colourful, always a personal interpretation of the richness and beauty of the landscape and architecture through shape, pattern, texture and design.