The Ravilious Collection
A must-see for fans of Eric Ravilious and newcomers alike, this new and bespoke space features an expanded display of Ravilious’ works from the Towner Collection, showcasing the prodigious output of one of Eastbourne’s most celebrated artists.
Please book a free ticket to get priority access during busy times. You’re welcome to arrive at any time on the date of your booking.
This exhibition is expected to be very popular. Booking helps us manage capacity and understand our audiences, to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Monday 22 to Friday 26 December: Closed
Saturday 27 to Wednesday 31 December: Open
Thursday 1 January: Closed
Normal opening hours resume from Friday 2 January.
Towner has long been the custodian of the largest collection of works by Eric Ravilious (1903-1942). This autumn, we are building upon our extensive work and research into Ravilious and his contemporaries with this new space. A must-see for fans of Ravilious and newcomers alike, this display will highlight the much-loved artist's contributions to the art world.
This new and bespoke space features an expanded display of Ravilious’ works from the Towner Collection, showcasing the prodigious output of one of Eastbourne’s most celebrated inhabitants.
Watercolours, preparatory drawings, prints and ceramics by Ravilious all feature alongside works from some of his closest friends and peers, including his wife Tirzah Garwood and close friends Edward Bawden and Peggy Angus. These works all tie into Towner Collection themes of landscape, place and home.
The gallery space will also incorporate our Collection Library, which features books relating to Ravilious and other Collection artists. The library is free to anybody, and can be used as a quiet study space.
Download The Ravilious Collection Large Print Guide
Behind the Scenes Tours
Alternating Sundays (2.00pm) and Tuesdays (11.00am)
£11
Lunchtime Response: Eric Ravilious and his Road to Wedgwood
Saturday 20 December, 1.30pm
Free, drop-in
Lunchtime Conversation: Curating The Ravilious Collection
Thursday 15 January, 1.30pm to 1.50pm
Free, drop in
Lunchtime Response: Collage, Collaboration and Community
Thursday 12 February, 1.30pm to 1.50pm
Free, drop in
BSL Tour of The Ravilious Collection
Saturday 17 January, 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Free, drop in
An Evening with Sheila Hancock & The Ravilious Collection
Thursday 19 March 2026, 7.00pm to 8.30pm
£30
Ravilious Watercolour: Four Week Painting Course
Fridays, 17 April to 8 May, 11:00am to 2:30pm
£200
On Saturday 29 November 2025, Ella Ravilious (V&A curator and granddaughter of Eric Ravilious and Tirzah Garwood) and Turner curator Ian Warrell joined us for a discussion focusing on the watercolours of Ravilious and J.M.W. Turner. Read a transcript of their discussion below.
This event transcript has been edited for clarity.
Please support the Towner Collection Fund. With your help we can acquire new artworks and care for the collection. Thank you.
