Current exhibitions

Fiona Rae: Maybe you can live on the moon in the next century

27 April – 23 June 2013 (free)

One of the original artists in Freeze, the 1988 Damien Hirst-curated group show which launched the Young British Artists, Fiona Rae has become one of the leading painters of her generation. Described by the Guardian as “a Jackson Pollock for the digital age”, her distinctive body of work – full of restless energy, humour and complexity – has set out to challenge the modern conventions of painting. Read more »

People and Portraits

23 March – 6 October 13 (free)

Every portrait painting tells a story, connecting us to people across time and place. This collection display encompasses a variety of images and styles, including historical and formal portraiture, narrative scenes and self portraits. Key Towner Collection artists such as Edward Bawden, David Bomberg and Christopher Wood are represented, whilst some intriguing lesser known artists and works are also revealed. Read more »

Annual Schools and Colleges Exhibition 2013

11 May – 9 June 2013 (free)

Over 1,000 children and young people from across Sussex have been inspired by People and Portraits to create their own original portraits, in a range of media. For the first time Towner’s education and outreach groups have also contributed to the exhibition. Step into our portrait booth, discover the stories behind the golden frames and become the star of your own Towner Collection painting!  Read more »

Upcoming exhibitions

The Lyons Teashops Lithographs: Art in a time of Austerity

13 July – 22 September 2013

In the post-war years, catering giant J. Lyons & Co. commissioned three series of lithographs from some of Britain’s most popular artists – including Edward Bawden, John Piper, David Gentleman, John Minton, William Scott and John Nash – to combat a wartime decline in the interior decoration of their famous teashops! We will be showing all three series of lithographs from the Towner Collection, alongside some of the original paintings and working drawings. Step back in time to experience a Great British institution at a time when great art overcame austerity. Read more »

Dependent Rational Animals

13 July – 22 September 2013 (free)

A collaboration between Sally Underwood and Roxy Walsh, Dependent Rational Animals began in 2011 with a conversation about how sculpture might make a home for painting and how painting might hold the interior of a sculpture. This exhibition will include wall painting and large-scale architectural sculptures alongside smaller works. Read more »