The Ravilious Collection

Closed on 24, 25 and 26 December and 1 January during the Christmas period.

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.

Behind the Scenes Tours
Alternating Sundays (2.00pm) and Tuesdays (11.00am)
£11

Tirzah Garwood: Two-Day Paper Marbling & Bookbinding Course
Thursday 3 & Friday 4 December
12.00pm to 4.00pm (including a break)
£130

Barnett Freedman: London, Lithographs and Lyons Tea
Saturday 5 December
1.30pm to 1.50pm 
Free, drop in

Wood Engraving: Four Week Course [Intermediate]
Wednesdays, 20 January to 10 February 2027
10:30am to 1:00pm
£175

Eric Ravilious: Linocut Christmas Cards Workshop
Friday 6 November
12.00pm to 4.00pm (including a break)
£65

Lunchtime Conversation: Time for Tea
Saturday 22 November 2025, 1.30pm
Free, drop-in

Lunchtime Conversation: Eric Ravilious and his Road to Wedgwood
Saturday 20 December 2025, 1.30pm
Free, drop-in

Wood Engraving: Four Week Course (Intermediate)
Wednesdays, 7 to 28 January 2026, 10:30am to 1:00pm
£160

Lunchtime Conversation: Curating The Ravilious Collection
Thursday 15 January, 1.30pm to 1.50pm
Free, drop in

BSL Tour of The Ravilious Collection
Saturday 17 January 2026, 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Free, drop in

Lunchtime Response: Collage, Collaboration and Community
Thursday 12 February 2026, 1.30pm to 1.50pm
Free, drop in

Chalk Stories - Sensing the Landscape
Saturday 21 February, 11.00am to 1.00pm & 2.00pm to 4.00pm
Pay What You Can

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 2026, 11:00am to 2:30pm
£200

Wood Engraving: Four Week Course (Introductory)
Wednesdays, 22 April to 13 May 2026, 10:30am to 1:00pm
£160

Lunchtime Conversation: Curating the Ravilious Collection
Thursday 30 July, 1.30pm
Free, drop in

In conversation & Book Signing
Love as Strong as Death: Ravilious, The Pilot and the Missing Aircraft
Thursday 8 October, 4.00pm
£7, concessions available

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.