Ruskin Spear (1911-1990), Spring in Hammersmith, oil on canvas. Acquired 1967, Friends of the Towner
A new state-of-the-art gallery opening in Eastbourne is asking the public to choose its first collection.
Towner, which will open next to the town’s Congress Theatre in early 2009, has launched a free CD containing images of 200 works from the gallery’s permanent collection.
Bryan Wynter (1915-1975), Red Spoor, 1960, oil on canvas. Acquired 1960 with the assistance of the Victoria & Albert Museum Purchase Grant Fund
Residents and visitors can collect a CD from various locations in the town and browse the selection in their own time before voting by freepost reply or online, with the most popular nominees when voting closes on January 2 forming the People’s Choice collection.
“People’s Choice is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Eastbourne to have a real say in Towner’s opening displays,” said Margaret Bannister, Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing Health and Community Services.
George Henry (1858-1943), Landscape, oil on canvas
“This social interaction is an important aspect of the gallery’s ethos, to empower the local community and give people a voice in Eastbourne’s new flagship destination.”
Comments from voters on why works were chosen will be displayed alongside the art, as organisers aim to recapture the democratic qualities the original Towner gallery, founded by Alderman John Chisholm in 1923, reputedly stood for.
Visit www.townereastbourne.org.uk for more details.
