5 April 2011
New display explores how gifts have shaped The Towner Collection
Like many art museums, Towner relies upon the generosity of artists, collectors and its visitors, the public! A new collection display opening at Towner this weekend celebrates this ongoing philanthropy – this is the chance for visitors to see some of the most significant works in the Towner Collection, find out how they ended up in Eastbourne and get to know the people behind the gifts.
The works on show from Saturday range from a rarely seen 16th century triptych to a contemporary light sculpture donated after Towner’s opening exhibition by Ivàn Navarro – with Eric Ravilious (including ceramics), Edward Bawden, Christopher Wood, Paul Nash and many more in between!
The story begins with the very first bequest of 22 paintings, which started the Towner Collection. Several of these Victorian paintings – donated by Alderman John Chisholm Towner in 1920 to the people of Eastbourne, along with a sum of money to establish an ‘art gallery for the people’ – will be on show.
Sketches for the Berwick Church murals by Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell reveal an interesting insight into this fascinating wartime collaboration between the Church and the renowned Bloomsbury artists – while Towner is delighted to be able to present a number of works from the exceptional recent gift of 22 paintings by Arthur & Helen Grogan through The Art Fund, including George Clausen’s Girl’s Head from 1887.
Matthew Rowe, Artistic Director of Towner, said: “We are most grateful to all those who have given to the Towner Collection through the ages. This display allows us to celebrate this all-important philanthropy, and show how it has shaped the collection into, what is, one of the most internationally significant public art collections in the UK today.
“Ultimately, this display reflects the incredible diversity of the Towner Collection, making it a must-see – and if all this philanthropy inspires residents and visitors to support Towner themselves, please consider becoming a member and come along to our special membership card launch on 13 May!”
On Friday 13 May, from 7 – 9pm, Towner will celebrate the launch of a new membership card designed by artist Peter Liversidge – each card is a limited edition artwork to start your own collection! Membership provides vital support for Towner’s exhibitions and award-winning programmes of learning and outreach.
The Art of Giving runs from 9 April until 9 October and is free to visit. For more information on what’s on at Towner go to the Towner web pages or call 01323 434670.
