September 6th, 2011.
Eastbourne’s award-winning art museum Towner is encouraging visitors to its current John Piper exhibition to support a new appeal to purchase two important pieces of artwork, which will strengthen and complement the Towner Collection.
A rare opportunity has arisen offering Towner the chance to acquire a pair of works by 20th century British artist John Piper, whose work is currently on display at the gallery in the John Piper in Kent & Sussex exhibition. Both pieces demonstrate Piper’s love of the Sussex coastline and celebrate his close connection to the Sussex landscape, particularly the coastline near Eastbourne.
Piper is currently underrepresented in the Towner Collection and the acquisitions would complement Towner’s world renowned Ravilious collection, with both pieces of art being produced during a time of close interaction between Piper and Eric Ravilious.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure Cllr Neil Stanley said “This is a fantastic opportunity for Towner to acquire two significant pieces of British art to add to our Collection here in Eastbourne, and the opportunity is made even more exciting by their close connection to the town and the artwork we already hold. With the John Piper in Kent & Sussex exhibition on now, it’s the perfect time for visitors to view the pieces on display at the gallery and find out more about the artist.”
John Piper in Kent & Sussex has proved a hit with visitors and critics this summer with ticket sales surpassing targets and visitors travelling from far and wide to view the exhibition. Towner has also appeared in every national broadsheet newspaper, and the exhibition was featured on BBC Radio 4 Front Row.
Those who would like to see the two pieces by Piper, entitled Newhaven, The Castle (1934) and Newhaven (1937), can donate in person at Towner or can send in donations towards the acquisition.
Both works depict the same subject matter yet have a very different feel, demonstrating Piper’s rapid development during a critical time when he was at the forefront of critical debate and practice within British Art. The works were produced when Piper was staying at Furlongs, an important 20th century artistic community in East Sussex, and celebrate a unique aspect of 20th century art in the heart of the South Downs.
For more information or to support the appeal call Towner on 01323 434682 or email marie.thompson@eastbourne.gov.uk.
