Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009

Towner Opening Eastbourne Festival Charleston Festival

ISSN 1757-1138 © PRG Ltd, 2009 All rights reserved. Reproduction of any The Point, College Road, Cultural Quarterly part of this publication is prohibited Eastbourne BN21 4JJ A quarterly niche carving lifestyle magazine without permission. Every effort is Tel: 01323 646076 dedicated to Eastbourne’s flourishing cultural made to ensure accuracy, but the Fax: 01323 411050 quarter, packed with insightful content and publisher accepts no responsibility for Email: [email protected] stunning visual appeal. CQ is distributed from various locations around Eastbourne, editorial opinions or statements, and no including the cultural quarter’s venues. liability for products or services Publisher: Raymond Groves described in this magazine. Editorial team: Faye Spiers, Environment aware print Claire Watson Printed by Eastprint on FSC and ISO 14001 Design: Matt Sommers accredited paper using soya-based inks. Advertising: Tracey Loats

Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 Contents

6 Towner Opening its 20 Festival Continuing 32 Flights of Imagination 42 A Day in the Life… Doors to All Charleston Tradition Terry Walbrin’s Treaclemind of a Theatre Manager The state of the art Tower Jeremy Paxman and Grayson Art exhibition will feature at Eastbourne Theatres’ general gallery will open on April 4. Perry will be among the Hairport in April. manager Gavin Davis sees attractions at Charleston Festival. himself as the butler. 8 Welcome Home 33 Guests at The Big House Towner Collection 24 Festival Promoting John and Helen Warren will 44 Colourful Inspiration CQ sees the Towner Collection Excellence in the Arts have guests at their Open House. Adaptable artist Mary settle into its new home. Eastbourne Festival will feature Stubberfield has many strings a broad programme of events. 34 Shaking Up to her bow. 12 Towner’s Distinct Classical Music Identity 26 Inside Art CQ interviews Jules Knight 45 Presenting For Your CQ interviews the architects of Artists in Eastbourne will open about Facebook Enjoyment… the new Towner building. their homes again to show a pop-opera group Blake. A roundup of amateur dramatic variety of creative work. productions in Eastbourne. 16 Shedding Light on the 36 Liar Still Ringing True Nowhere Man 28 Time Travelling Helen Fraser spoke to CQ 46 Eastbourne Presents… CQ interviews Iván Navarro on Paul Jordan has created his own about coming full circle with Information on events the arrival of his specially version of time travel. Billy Liar. in Eastbourne. commissioned series. 30 Artistic Haven on 38 Music From the Masters 48 New Tennis Tournament 18 Towner Acquisition the River Hendrik Bouman dreamt of Booking Fast Focus of Youth Project Art on the River was established finding a church to play in. Tickets are selling for the Towner has added a new in 1995 and show their work at AEGON International watercolour to the collection. the Riverside Studio. 40 People’s Favourite combined men’s and CQ asks five people to reveal women’s tournament. their favourite Towner Collection artwork. “CQ has done so much to support oIu ra alrwtistsa iny shso wlocaosinkg tfhoeir worak –r tdhe tlaoyo sut eeing the latest issue and sense of colour in setting out the page has been very colourful, striking and eye-catching. Congratulations and many thanks for such a fabulous magazine.”

Mary Beaney, Art on the River “This exciting local cultural magazine

“Cultural Quarterly is available at our All Saints development and has with its eclectic range of performing now become a must read for people looking to find out about and arts topics is a breath of fresh air to take part in the many cultural activities that take place in Eastbourne. Eastbourne and we welcome you.” On behalf of Berkeley Homes I would like to wish CQ a happy first birthday, and I look forward to reading the next edition.” Gilly Nicol, University of Brighton Penny Bloor, Berkeley Homes beautifully produced CQ Celebrates its First Birthday 1 PRG Ltd has been publishing CQ for a year, and we’re delighted tod with the response from our readers. These are just some of the ay things that people have been saying about the magazine:

“A quality magazine, beautifully produced, the jewel in the crown for Eastbourne. A great read, I hope more and more people discover it!” “This is a quality product: well-informed, well- written and attractively designed – and refreshingly Melanie Adams, C Brewer & Sons Ltd/Rattonians ready to dig out the less obvious stories.” eclectic range of performing arts topics Geoff Morley, Under Ground Theatre “I was delighted (and surprised) when I saw the first issue of CQ last year. It’s just the kind of publication we need “Cultural Quarterly has been a wonderful showcase in its first in Eastbourne and sits well with the emerging arts year for the wide variety of art, drama and music that takes scene in the town. The photo and design content is high place in Eastbourne and the surrounding area. I always look and it always seems to smell nice!” forward to seeing the latest issue – congratulations to all its Julian Sutherland Beatson, Eastbourne Artists staff on producing such an interesting magazine.” Councillor Margaret Bannister striking and eye-catching

Where to find your copy of CQ You can pick up a copy of CQ from any of the places below:

Blind Design Enterprise Centre Nigel Greaves Gallery Town Hall Brampton Road Station Parade Compton Street Grove Road Bonners Music Superstore Fitness First Plantations Coffee Shop University of Brighton Langney Road The Crumbles Carlisle Road Culinary Arts Studio Congress Theatre Garner News Rye Lodge Hotel Darley Road Carlisle Road South Street Hilders Cliff, Rye Waitrose Devonshire Park Theatre Grand Hotel Tourist Information Centre High Street Compton Street Kind Edward’s Parade Cornfield Road W Bruford Eastbourne Library Hydro Hotel Towner Cornfield Road Grove Road Mount Road Carlisle Road

Towner Opening its Doors to All

Eastbourne Borough Council has announced that Towner, its state of the art gallery, will open its doors at 10am on Saturday April 4.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Chilean sculptor Iván Navarro from the terrace will make it a Eastbourne Councillor Greg works with fluorescent and great place to meet and mingle. Szanto will officially open incandescent light and has been Towner will be a leading visual the £8.6 million bespoke commissioned to produce a arts centre for the southeast. Its Towner building on April 4, series of eleven works in his first new location in Eastbourne’s marking the start of Towner’s solo show in a UK public gallery, cultural quarter repositions its life in its new home at preceding him representing renowned Towner Collection, Devonshire Park. Chile at the Venice Biennale of education and outreach Councillor Margaret international art this summer. programmes and its temporary Bannister, cabinet spokesperson The importance of input from exhibitions where all can enjoy for housing, health and local people and Towner them. The gallery was designed community services, said: “We followers from all over the world by award-winning Rick Mather will be delighted to open the is celebrated with three Architects and funded by the Arts doors of Towner to Eastbourne exhibitions – People’s Choice and Council’s capital programme, residents and visitors. This is a work from outreach and the Heritage Lottery Fund, momentous occasion for the education projects Lost Horizons South East England town and one we all deserve to and Collection Connections. Development Agency and enjoy. This building will become Towner’s 2,600m 2 space Eastbourne Borough Council. an icon for the southeast and an includes temporary exhibition Towner began as the Towner important addition to our galleries of international Art Gallery in Old Town, cultural offering.” standard; a fully accessible Eastbourne, in 1923 thanks to a The gallery’s bright future and Towner Collection display; bequest from Alderman John history of public engagement will storage and research facilities; Chisholm Towner. Its new be celebrated with four inaugural rooms for workshops, events and home is perfectly equipped to exhibitions, and Towner’s ability meetings, and large-scale halls for protectively house and to attract international artists is conferences and art exhibitions. effectively display the artwork proven with the exhibition Free entry and a top floor café from the Towner Collection Nowhere Man. with views of the South Downs and visiting works.

6 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 Now i s the t ime to Rising G as P rices ! cut you r ga s bills wit h a new high effi cie ncy fire fr om Blaz es.

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The prized Towner Collection and its future care was a main consideration in moving the gallery from the Old Town manor house to a bespoke building where it could be preserved and viewed at its best. CQ saw it settle in to its new home.

Packaged away, carefully During this period, whilst not Partnerships, the Arts Council’s Photographs by conserved and then on display to the public, many creativity programme for Rob Walker welcomed in to a clever new of the works on paper were schools and young people, (Above) storage room viewable by carefully deframed, removed grew to include other Towner artwork storage. appointment – the Towner from their mounts and studied community groups. The results Collection has moved up in for any problems or potential of this project form an the world. problems, such as cockling of exhibition on the ground floor With over 4,000 works of the paper or spots on the work of Towner from its opening day art, the careful transfer process itself. Almost 1,000 works from on April 4. was also a long one. A full audit the collection were digitally Lost Horizons, which will of the Towner Collection has photographed, including most also be on display in the ground been undertaken, with of the paintings and drawings floor space, introduced artists to paintings and works on paper by Eric Ravilious. local people through partnership needing very different It wasn’t at rest though – a agencies, including East Sussex treatment from specialist selection of works went out to Youth Offending Team and conservators. visit groups for education and Eastbourne Foyer, and captured While the new gallery was outreach projects. Collection the creative results. being built, the collection was Connections, devised in These projects embody the moved to temporary storage. collaboration with Creative Towner’s aim to be inclusive and

8 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009

Welcome Home Towner Collection thought provoking – Towner (Left & below) was instrumental in Eastbourne Towner staff move Borough Council’s achievement the collection into its new home. of Beacon Status for Hard to Reach Groups 2006–7. Towner outreach and inclusion manager Richard Beales said: “Towner’s outreach work makes art accessible to everyone, irrespective of the social and economic challenges they face. Lost Horizons shows how people in East Sussex took up that opportunity and the creativity and ideas it inspired.” In February, all the works came back together to move into the new gallery at Devonshire Park, using the specially designed six tonne lift – capable of carrying large sculptures, a delivery of paintings or a class of extensive holdings will make it Towner’s success and schoolchildren. the centre for research and reputation has continued to A team was on hand inside to display of the work of the grow, in part due to a £1 million load it into its new state of the modernist artist and designer Art Fund International award for art storage facility, including Eric Ravilious. the purchase of international pullout racks for easy viewing. Some of the works have contemporary art. Towner is Researchers can view been selected by members of proud to have secured this award

“Some of the works have been selected by members of the public for the first collection display of its kind, called People’s Choice” individual works up close in a the public for the first – one of only five in England and dedicated art research studio, collection display of its kind, Scotland – for Eastbourne. It has which doubles as a called People’s Choice. This just purchased Edward Bawden’s conservation or photography exhibition takes place in the watercolour entitled September: studio and an artist workspace. Collection Gallery on the first 8.30pm (Newhaven). These facilities and Towner’s floor from the opening day. The Towner Collection began in 1923 with the bequest of 22 paintings to the people of Eastbourne by Alderman John Chisholm Towner. The original collection included Victorian paintings of landscapes, animals and children by popular artists of the time, including Henry Dawson and Thomas Sydney Cooper, and now features pieces by important artists, including William Nicholson, Christopher Wood, Alfred Wallis and Frances Hodgkins.

10 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009

Towner’s Distinct Identity

Eastbourne’s anticipation for the opening of the new Towner gallery is felt tenfold by Rick Mather Architects. The designers of the building spoke to CQ.

“That will be the ultimate used the Towner Art Gallery in Park, it was Rick Mather satisfaction and reward.” Old Town and how that usage Architects that suggested the Rick Mather’s answer to the could evolve given state of the corner site instead. question ‘how will you feel art facilities and creative spaces. Rick said: “You have enough seeing people using Towner for It makes sense then that Rick freedom on that corner to the first time?’ reinforces his Mather Architects, responsible design the building in its claim that people are as for award winning museum optimum size. We wanted it to important as artwork in extensions, such as the Dulwich look quite natural but to have this gallery. Picture Gallery and the its own distinct identity. One Rick is the founder of Rick National Maritime Museum, is thing that appealed to us was Mather Architects, an award- world renowned for its intuitive the curve in the road. Some winning firm with more than sense of place and context, as architects would have shied 500 projects to its name, and well as its pioneering away but we were able to use the company behind the design technologies in structural glass that characteristic of the site.” of the new building in and sustainable design. Full advantage has been taken Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park. Without this intuition, of the site’s shape, with early Towner is people focused, things could have been very visitors guaranteed to mention the product of an different. Faced with a brief to how spacious it is inside. understanding of how people design a gallery for Devonshire Project architect David

12 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 5% of p f on rodu ction of th is ad Towner’s Distinct Identity

powerful connection, which is (Left) deliberate. The deliberate part (L–R) David Watson; is the orientation through Matthew Rowe, Towner artistic director, the window. and Rick Mather. “When you arrive in the lift on each floor you are presented with glass doors in front of you and can see into the gallery and it’s wow! Just like when you come out of the second floor Watson said: “All of the Towner Collection even when gallery at the opposite end you buildings – the theatres – are they aren’t on display, simply by can see through the café and physically linked and making an appointment. And out into the landscape.” dependent on each other, and with no separate loading lift but Towner is all light and views adding another building in one big enough to fit a class full by day, and illuminated by night. between – a gallery – would of schoolchildren or a major Outside, the light box on the have been too much. Putting sculpture, its practical capability front makes the zinc panels – the gallery on the end gives it and six tonne capacity is behind which lies the galleries – its own identity.” twinned with a strip of window, contrast with the Grade II* The new building has sparse cutting a view out across the Listed Congress’ glazed frontage. ‘behind the scenes’ areas as the South Downs. Towner’s high-grade barrier between art and people Rick said: “You can connect concrete finish is seen inside experienced in galleries or to the outside, you can connect and out and slots around the museums is intended to be to the world. You are not in this same finish on the Congress in virtually non-existent. People and little capsule.” a jigsaw fashion. The pillars art are given the same priority, David added: “When you that mark the edge of the the same rights to the building. come out into these circulatory theatre site are incorporated Visitors will, for the first time, spaces you see the surrounding into the exhibition hall on be able to see works from the landscape but it’s quite a Towner’s ground floor.

“We wanted it to look quite natural but to have its own distinct identity.”

14 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 Towner’s Distinct Identity

“If you use space efficiently, then you are using resources efficiently.”

(Above) This is more than a nod to work together. a forward-thinking building of Cllr Rebecca Madell (left) the design of the conjoined “If you use space efficiently, eco-capability next to a Grade and Cllr David Tutt (right) Congress. It also has major then you are using resources II* Listed building was one the of Eastbourne Borough Council accept Towner's environmental impetus. efficiently.” architects relished and now keys from Rick Mather. “Exposing the concrete is Rick continued: “The want others to appreciate. part of the environmental gain concrete is not just decorative David said: “The planning of the building,” David said. or structural, it’s for the legislation about operating in a “The concrete has a very slow environment. The insulation is conservation area – these are the thermal mass that makes it on the outside like a big blanket challenges that architects love. particularly good for energy on the whole building that They gave us the opportunity to conservation. It can only keeps the heat in and keeps it really understand how the area change in the gallery space by warm and temperate. It won’t was put together. We got to five per cent in terms of change temperature quickly. understand how this part of humidity and only a couple “The artworks are like Eastbourne works. of degrees. anything – they like a stable “It opens up all sorts of “It’s a real stride forward and temperature. By having this conversations about part of the building’s green thermal mass that means it’s regeneration. This notion of a credentials. Its longest façade is holding the heat much better, it cultural quarter is really key to the Congress wall. It means it’s takes the highs and the lows off.” a lot of that.” well insulated and the buildings The challenge of completing Towner opens on April 4.

Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 15 Shedding Light on the Nowhere Man Towner is starting as it means to go on, with the arrival of Iván Navarro’s Nowhere Man series highlighting the new gallery’s ability to attract international artists. Here, Iván explains what’s behind his work, some of it subtle, some if it about to cause an impact that will help put Towner and Eastbourne on the map.

Iván Navarro’s specially was working on how a specific CQ: What was the inspiration Photographs by commissioned series architectural space shapes for Nowhere Man and how Rob Walker Nowhere Man will light up an artwork. does it fit with Towner? (Above & below) the second floor gallery when Iván: When John Lennon was The Nowhere Man series. Towner opens on April 4. CQ: What problems does this writing the song Nowhere Man The Chilean sculptor works medium throw up? he didn’t know what to say or with fluorescent and Iván: The medium is very what to play on it, so he made a incandescent light, and the dangerous. In 2004, I had an song about that; he was the real eleven-piece series will be his electric shock when I was nowhere man. For me that is first solo show in a UK public installing a piece in an art fair. It very interesting because it gallery. It precedes him wasn’t a big shock but I was very shows that he came up with a representing Chile at the scared. I felt the electricity song out of nothing. The show Venice Biennale of running through my whole body. Nowhere Man for Towner has international art this summer. the same spirit of creativity. CQ: How do you choose your I chose few elements and CQ: Have you always worked subjects for the transformation materials to create 15 pieces. with light fixtures and how into light sculpture? My idea was to repeat the same did the use of light develop in Iván: The standard sizes and elements many times in order your work? proportions of the electric Iván: I have always worked with lights allow me to develop a light fixtures and light in general. construction method, and it is From the beginning, I was based on this that I choose the interested in using the sources of subjects of my work. Since I electric energy available in an use existing objects to build exhibition spaces combined with sculptures, the subjects that I the idea of making a work that represent have to be related to was illuminated by itself. So, the size of the lights found in besides my interest in lights, I ordinary hardware stores.

16 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 Shedding Light on the Nowhere Man

(Below) to find new possibilities and is a link between the history of on the same concept but Ivan Navarro new ideas with them. I also like the representation of the manifested in a very different installs his work. the idea of working with this human body and the industrial way. However, both pieces title that is very familiar to production of light fixtures. follow the same logic of English people. repetition, both are related to CQ: Die Again was originally the human body and both are CQ: Political undercurrent is shown at the Whitney made with industrial materials. present in much of your Museum in 2006. Why did you work. What are the decide to show this piece CQ: You have been selected to political associations of again at Towner? represent Chile at the Venice Nowhere Man? Iván: This piece was part of the Biennale this year. Are you Iván: I follow the politics and show Trace at the Whitney planning a new series of work rules of electric energy and Museum. I wanted to show the for Venice? electric supplies. This project piece at Towner because the Iván: Yes, I will show a piece was conceived by the idea that gallery space is perfect for this from 2006, which I have never the proportions of light fixtures work. I like the contrast of the shown before, and a new video are related to the human body. I raw materiality of Die Again sculpture. This new piece was found the Olympic figures of with the more finished interiors made with a bicycle and a Otl Aicher that he made in 1972 of Towner. generator attached to it that for the Munich games, where produces electric energy when he made diagrams of the CQ: How does Die Again you pedal the bicycle. The idea human body that developed relate to Nowhere Man? is to make a into universal symbols. I Iván: A version of the song video/performance of this realised that I could make the Nowhere Man is played inside work in Times Square NYC to same images by using ordinary the cube in Die Again. It was contrast the low-tech standard light fixtures and the first time I used the idea of production of energy in the using his grid of construction. the nowhere man. The bicycle with the high-tech The idea involved here is that Nowhere Man sculptures came symbolism of this saturated I discovered a political plan that several years after, picking up urban landscape.

“This project was conceived by the idea that the proportions of light fixtures are related to the human body.”

Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 17 Towner Acquisition Focus of Youth Project

The very setting of the south coast’s new art gallery is celebrated with the purchase of an artwork to be added to its prized collection.

Towner recently received Depicting a scene just the from the Art Fund, the UK’s significant funding to buy a other side of the Sussex Downs leading independent art charity, watercolour by Sussex artist – the hills the new £8.6 million and a £4,000 contribution from Edward Bawden. Entitled gallery looks out on – it shows the Friends of the Towner. September: 8.30pm three ships docked in David Barrie, director of the (Newhaven), the piece dates Newhaven harbour with the Art Fund, said: “Bawden back to 1935 when the artist downs in the background. painted this watercolour when paid a visit to the coast with The purchase was made he visited the Sussex coast with his friend, artist and main possible by a £26,000 grant his friend and fellow artist Eric feature of the Towner from the Heritage Lottery Ravilious, capturing a time of Collection, Eric Ravilious. Fund (HLF), a grant of £16,000 calm before the outbreak of

18 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 Towner Acquisition Focus of Youth Project

(Left) World War Two. It was clearly and graphic artist who served are a superb way of introducing September: 8.30pm (Newhaven) important to the artist, who as one of the Official War young people to the arts. This by Edward Bawden. kept it until late in life. Artists for Britain during the work with the community is an “I’m delighted that the Second World War. He important part of Towner’s gallery has plans to make it the produced many watercolours ethos and one which the focalpoint of a special project recording the war and was also council is keen to encourage.” for the young people of famous for his prints, book Head of HLF southeast Eastbourne and Lewes, and covers, posters and metalwork England Michelle Davies said: that the Art Fund was able to garden furniture. Towner “This is an imaginative use of an give almost half the funding currently holds eleven of his artwork to stimulate interest needed to acquire it.” works, including commercial from young people in their local The painting will be the focus lithographs for Shell and environment and its history, but of the Pupil Referral Unit project Lyons teashops. it also encourages them to make through which students will Councillor Margaret a contribution to an exhibition in work with gallery staff, artists Bannister, cabinet spokesperson an exciting new gallery space.” and writers to explore ideas of for housing, health and Towner also has one of the heritage, landscape and community services at broadest holdings of work by environment, with particular Eastbourne Borough Council, Bawden’s friend and fellow reference to Newhaven and the said: “The Bawden painting is a artist Eric Ravilious, a body of surrounding area. The pupils will wonderful addition to the which was purchased in 1998 select works from the Towner Towner Collection. It’s funding with funds from the Heritage Collection to create an exhibition by partner organisations Lottery fund and The Art Fund. to be shown in late 2009 linked to emphasises the support Towner Towner began life as the National Curriculum subjects, has for its work with students Towner Art Gallery in 1923, including art, geography, history from the Pupil Referral Units, as with a bequest of paintings and English. well as other Outreach groups. from Alderman John Chisholm Edward Bawden (1903–1989) “Paintings, such as the Towner who wanted a gallery was a British painter, illustrator Bawden and those by Ravilious, for the people of the town.

Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 19 Festival Continuing Charleston Tradition

Charleston, the rural retreat of Bloomsbury painters and writers, was at the epicentre of progressive movements in art, literature and politics between the wars and its annual festival perpetuates an ethos of creativity, intellectual enquiry and conviviality.

Charleston in Firle near During this year’s festival on Consequences Of The Peace, Charleston Festival Lewes, the former home of May 15–24, Jeremy Paxman which was written at Charleston, Charleston, Firle, Lewes Bloomsbury painters Vanessa will explain why Victorian and the Duchess of Devonshire May 15 –24 Bell and Duncan Grant, was paintings were the television of and Adam Nicolson will share also the meeting place of a their day; Prunella Scales and their experiences of caring for (Above) remarkable group of Timothy West will star in a two of our great houses, Grayson Perry. progressive individuals performance of Freshwater, Chatsworth and Sissinghurst. (Below) known as the Bloomsbury Virginia Woolf’s only play, and Other topics will include Jeremy Paxman. group, which included Grayson Perry and Future Darwin’s scientific and literary Virginia Woolf, E M Forster Systems architect Amanda importance; Henry Irving and and T S Eliot, and whose Levete will go head to head Ellen Terry; the strange death of cultural impact still resonates. debating traditional craft and political idealism, and Shelley Charleston is now a museum contemporary design. and Rupert Brooke. with a high profile festival. MP Vince Cable and Will “This year’s festival is a The Charleston Festival was Hutton will praise Maynard major milestone,” said artistic founded in 1989 – after Keynes’ Economic director Diana Reich. “We Charleston was preserved and continue the Charleston opened to the public – in order tradition of the very best to ensure that it remained company of speakers, vibrant and hospitable to new stimulating conversation, ideas and contemporary challenging ideas, strong creativity. Charleston Trust, the arguments, inspiring creativity registered charity that runs the and plenty of fun.” festival, relies entirely on Tickets for the Charleston corporate sponsors, individual Festival can be purchased supporters and festivalgoers to from the Brighton Dome box make the magic of the festival office on 01273 709709 happen each year. www.brightonticketshop.com

20 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009

Marble floored dining room at the Rye Lodge Hotel

Register to receive your FREE regular copy of Cultural Quarterly and be entered into a prize draw to win two tickets to Beauty And The Beast or a champagne dinner for two at the Rye Lodge Hotel in Rye.

Cultural Quarterly is a niche-carving lifestyle magazine dedicated to Eastbourne’s flourishing cultural quarter, packed with insightful content and stunning visual appeal. The essential cultural companion, CQ showcases highlights of upcoming seasons across the quarter’s venues and landmark Towner gallery through celebrity interviews, previews, exclusive backstage news and in-depth features.

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PRG Ltd and associated companies may use your information to contact you for marketing purposes. By including your email and telephone numbers you are agreeing that they may be used for this purpose. Please indicate if you do not wish to receive information from PRG Ltd and its associated companies in your response. Ingham House Ingham Social Centre

• Established and family run for 28 years Ingham Social Centre is an independent community resource specifically for the over 60s • Close to seafront, theatres and town centre on a non-residential basis. The centre is managed • All levels of residential care provided by an Occupational Therapist, a Registered Health Care Professional • Promoting independence, motivation, social interaction and comprehensive healthcare The Centre provides an opportunity to meet people and to participate in a range of social and • Short-term respite care provided recreational activities. • Bedrooms accessible by vertical lift We can help you apply for full funding (whether • Ground floor rooms with French doors or not you are receiving Home Care already). • We can provide rehabilitation day care or For further information and details of our weekly permanent day care for a limited number programme, call Ann-Collette. of clients.

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Annual Exhibition and Sale of Paintings by the Society of Eastbourne Artists

23rd to 25th May 2009 10am –7pm Free admission, catalogue donations to support charity Try something different

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The Hotel’s Regency Bar will be open all Contact Gilly Nicol for more information on 01273 643631 day for Refreshments and Afternoon Teas Email: [email protected] www.brighton.ac.uk/culinaryartsstudio King Edward’s Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4EE Tel: 01323 725174 Fax: 01323 739721 www.bw-lansdownehotel.co.uk [email protected] School of Service Management Festival Promoting Excellence in the Arts

Eastbourne Festival 2009 will take place from April 11 –26 and feature a broad programme of events, including traditional, contemporary and experimental visual arts, music, literature, comedy, dance, film and performance elements.

Eastbourne Festival in April the Little Polska Café in Seaside The Lamb Inn in Old Town will provide a platform for Road on April 21, 22, 24 and 26. will host two musical events for local artists and performers The Redoubt Fortress will the festival. Magdalena Reising to showcase their work and become a hub for festival And The Blue Café Jazz Band aims to promote excellence events, including community will perform blues tinted jazz in the arts and help enrich activities, workshops, and on April 16, and Ben Paley and creative and cultural activity Circumnavigation, a site- Tab Hunter combine fiddle and (Above) in Eastbourne. This year’s specific work from the Blue guitar on April 17. Works in progress by Sharon Haward and programme includes a Polish Monkey Studio and guest On April 15, Virginia Mike Newman. mini festival, the artists. Blue Monkey Judith Ironside will appear at Marshmellow Night Art Trail, Alder has also been selected to Bibendum in The Virginia the Festival Fashion Show create a temporary Monolgues – Why It’s Great To And Frock Swap and a host intervention at Towner along Be Ancient, and the Friends of of events at the Redoubt with Annabel Tilley of the Towner will host a lecture Fortress and Eastbourne Claremont Studios in Hastings, from Eric Shane on Turner in Parish Church. which will run from April 11. southeast England on April 16 Poland by the sea (Polska The Marshmellow Night Art at Towner. nad morzem) will be created Trail will begin with a St Mary the Virgin church in through a number of events, children’s percussion workshop Old Town will also play a including a multimedia at the Life Boat Museum at central role in the festival and exhibition of photos, 6.45pm on April 11, followed by will host various concerts and interviews, text and portraits of a lantern and hat procession to recitals, including organist Polish people living and the beach adjacent to the Victor Potter on April 17 and working in Eastbourne and the Bandstand. This year’s Alice In harpist Fiona Hosford on April surrounding area at Eastbourne Wonderland theme will include 23, with a pre-Easter Railway Station, with the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party as performance of The Crucifixion performances of Dementia well as installations, dance and by the Eastbourne Parish Diaries (Dziennik Demencji) at performance art. Church Choir on April 10.

24 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009

Inside Art

Building on the success of last year’s Open Houses event as part of the first Eastbourne Festival, the artists of Eastbourne will come together again to show a wide variety of creative work in a range of disciplines.

Drawing, painting, sculpture, detritus of life and organic and jewellery, stained glass, urban decay to create. Patricia ceramics, video and Latham’s thoughtful 3D installations will all feature collages and Rose Rafferty’s in the Open Houses event rich textile constructions will during Eastbourne Festival be joined by Sophie Cadogan’s on April 11–26, with many fine knitwear in natural yarns. (Clockwise from top left) artists exhibiting together at In Milton Road, visitors will Works by Barry Wilson, Andrew Forrest, Sophie Cadogan the same venues. see the imagined landscapes of and Sheena Bourn. The Big House in Prideaux Fiona Morrison, inspired by the Road, Art 22 in Clifton Avenue, magic, colour, light and mood Stretton in Upperton Road and workshops, community arts of a particular place and, in 38 The Goffs will all display art performances and installations. Hurst Road, Julian Sutherland- from several contributors. Under the theme Beatson will display his popular Artists have been grouped into Celebrating Eastbourne, the daily paintings of the Sussex ‘trails’, including the seafront Eastbourne Group of Artists, countryside and shoreline and Seaside, town centre, Old currently undergoing a while, at number 90, visitors Town, Meads and Willingdon. resurgence, will exhibit at the will find the dramatic equine Blue Monkey Studio will Casson Gallery at Eastbourne images from Phillipa Canaan. present a programme of College, and Andrew G Forrest Ex-teacher Jack Crockatt will contemporary art and will show new drawings and also show a lifetime of performance at the Redoubt paintings of the English and interesting caricatures in Fortress, which will become a French countryside at the Longacre Close. hub of arts activity throughout Plantation Coffee Shop in A comprehensive brochure the festival. The venue will also Carlisle Road. of the Open Houses, including be used by Compass Meads Place will be home to a map, will be available from Community Arts, which will an exhibition by two various locations in Eastbourne play host to a variety of established artists who use the before and during the festival.

26 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009

Time Travelling

History fanatic and watercolour painter Paul Jordan has created his own version of time travel. CQ chatted to him ahead of his exhibition at the Da Vinci Eastbourne art hotel during Eastbourne Festival in April.

Inspired by the film of H G His two and three era of it, the studying and (Above) Wells’ story The Time paintings feature street scenes in researching to make it as Paul Jordan's paintings from Bexhill and (right) Machine, Paul Jordan creates Bognor Regis, Worthing, accurate as possible.” Eastbourne. in numerous detailed steps Hastings, Bexhill, Brighton and Maps, photos and archived the special effect of time Eastbourne. It’s an indulgence of accounts of buildings and their whirring past the viewers’ his interest in local history – he past all build up a picture before vision, leaving them with lives in Eastbourne and works at paint hits paper. He takes a snapshots of years past. the Brighton History Centre. photograph of his chosen It’s a wake up call and He said visualising current section of street and studies it perhaps even a call to action. sites in their past conditions is at home. These pictures will “With this exhibition, I have time consuming: “The paintings make up part of the exhibition gone with the idea people take a long time to reproduce but at the Da Vinci Eastbourne art assume Sussex coastal towns also to research. Because these hotel in Howard Square, which haven’t changed much over the drawings don’t exist in reality, I is open to the public from April years, when actually there have have to use aerial maps and 4 to May 31, to show where he been some vast changes, photographs and put it all gets his inspiration. particularly in Eastbourne together. I use as many sources as “The exhibition is not only because it was badly bombed I can to get it as accurate as I can. about the drawings but what during the war,” Paul explained. “I also like the detective side has inspired me and what does

28 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 Time Travelling

inspire me and how I go about “If there’s a theme, often the think most people would see it it,” he said. current buildings are pretty as deterioration.” Paul does not attempt a nondescript. That’s deliberate, Paul’s opportunities to study carbon copy of the scenes. to make a contrast. the changes to street scenes are “They’re not architecturally “I think my favourite of all as much about construction Paul Jordan perfect in their execution,” places is Bognor Regis because and investment as they are Da Vinci Eastbourne, he said. “The idea is they are it stands out as a pretty about inaction and stagnation. Howard Square quite sketchy. It’s done as a Regency high street. In the He predicts further rapid April 4 –May 31 flick through time as a 1930s, they built the South comparisons in the next few watercolour wash.” Downs bus garage and, by the years, saying: “It’s a reflection While his feeling about old time they got to ‘60s, the of the town’s wealth or and new architecture have to buildings had been replaced prosperity, or however you like tint this wash, he thinks the with boxlike buildings and to see it. It’s different times and facts speak for themselves. there is a stark deterioration. I different needs, I suppose.”

Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 29 Artistic Haven on the River

In 1995, there was nowhere for unknown, but skilled, artists to show their work locally, so Mary Beaney established Art on the River and opened the Riverside Studio to display the group’s art in a friendly and approachable environment.

In 1994, local artist Mary been very involved with the innovative, an inspirational Beaney designed and moved local art scene, curating and mixture of styles, medium and into a new house on the promoting exhibitions for subject,” said Mary. “There’ll River Haven. The following myself and my friends. I was be something for everyone, all year, she established an part of the group that tastes and budgets. People can artists’ group called Art on instigated the first Eastbourne come along and browse, and the River and opened the Festival in 1997, I co-founded enjoy the original works Riverside Studio at the house Chalk Gallery 2004, and I was of art.” in Pevensey. involved in establishing Art @ Members of the group Art on the River has grown da Vinci 2008 at the Da Vinci exhibiting include Ben in size and reputation in the Eastbourne hotel.” Ecclestone, an established fifteen years since it was To mark her many painter, illustrator and adult established, and what started in milestones, Mary will exhibit a tutor, who will be displaying his Mary’s small studio has now showcase of artwork by ten works of the human figure in exploded into most of the members of the group at the motion in gouache and pastel. rooms in her house. This Riverside Studio in May. Viv Cecil will introduce his new summer will see the group’s “This exhibition of new work showing the strength of fifteenth annual exhibition. works promises to be the best charcoal, and Angela Perrin will “In the past 30 years, I’ve yet – exciting, colourful and hang watercolours on canvas

30 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 Artistic Haven on the River

describing tree skeletons in winter landscapes. Kris Powley’s work consists of abstractions of observed landscapes, interiors and still Art on the River life, and Kate Sayers’ use of Riverside Studio, Haven Farm, colour and pattern captures the High Street, Pevensey individuality of flowers in large May 9–10, 16–17, 23–25 watercolours. Julie Snowball and Michele Findlays both (Clockwise from top left) work in clay, Julie creating Works by Angela Perris, functional objects and Adam Beaney, Viv Cecil sculptural statements, while and Julie Snowball. Michele adds flotsam and jetsam for a unique approach to standing figures. Mary herself will exhibit bright, fragile, personal depictions of the River Haven, and son Adam’s recent visits to Alaska and Finland have inspired photographic images that will sit alongside those from visits to Kenya and of local wildlife. Newcomer Rae Cecil’s paintings and prints are also inspired by the Sussex countryside. ginger

unit 4, the enterprise centre, station parade, eastbourne, bn21 1bd

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open mon– sat 9:30 ‘til 5, or outside these hours by appointment only also open easter monday and 11– 4 sundays for eastbourne artists’ open houses april 11– 26 modern contemporary and abstract art gallery commission work undertaken

Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 31 Flights of Imagination

Artist Terry Walbrin lives in an area in France that was once flooded by the sea and a short walk from her home will turn up a plethora of fossils and crystals, which may explain the ethereal quality of her work.

When it comes to art, Terry flies away with you. Walbrin has always gone “I do get homesick her own way. sometimes,” she said. “A lot of “I was always interested in art my work is based on images of as a child, but it always ended up fish or the seaside, and that’s a looking strange as I didn’t seem reflection of missing the sea Treaclemind Art to be able to stick to the and Eastbourne, where my Hairport, 6 Terminus Road, conventional interpretation,” family live. I suppose I feel like Eastbourne she said. “Art classes at school Haute Provence on the lower a fish out of water sometimes.” April 11 –26 were very structured and I slopes of the French Alps. Her Terry’s sister Christina would get bored and doodle, do home near Blieux, built in the Wood, an holistic therapist, (Above left) my own thing. I have a folder full valley of an extinct volcano 940 operates at Inner Beauty in Sandfish. of artwork from over the years, metres above sea level, is isolated. Hairport in Terminus Road. and it’s interesting to look back She once went eight days She suggested to Hairport’s (Above right) Triple Ex. over it and see how it has without seeing another person, owner Maralyn Ewen that they changed, become more refined.” although her dogs kept her display Terry’s work in the (Left) Terry began by drawing in company. She’s not fluent in salon for Eastbourne Artists’ (L–R) Christina Wood, Terry Walbrin and felt tip pen, but her discovery of French either but she manages to Open Houses during Maralyn Ewen. pastels was a turning point. get by, much to her amazement. Eastbourne Festival in April. “I’ve tried out all sorts of “How can you express “The white walls here are mediums,” she said. “I yourself if you don’t speak the perfect for displaying art,” said experimented with oils and language?” said Terry. “Hence Christina. “We’ve already started finished one painting, but then the art. It helps with the to exhibit Terry’s Treaclemind couldn’t do another. Pastels loneliness. A lot of my art has a Art so that visitors to the salon flow, so I don’t start with an mystical theme – there has to can see it now, and Hairport will idea, it just evolves. It’s almost be an alternative to everything, be opening on Saturdays and like therapy,” she laughs. this can’t be all. There’s such Sundays from 12pm to 2.30pm Terry lives in the Alpes de silence there, your imagination during the festival.”

32 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 Guests at The Big House Downs College, who will be They will be able to buy and showing her garden pebble commission work, and support stools; wood turner Tom the British Heart Foundation Pockley; June Guy with too,” said Helen. patchwork quilts and cushions, and Alison Dupenex with her The Big House wool and silk designer knitwear. 49 Prideaux Road, Eastbourne John Warren himself will April 11 –13, 18 –19 display ornamental garden pieces, together with jugs and (Far left) bowls. Helen will also be John and Helen Warren. Guests joining John and showing her silk and acrylic (Left) Helen Warren at The Big paintings of local scenes, Birling Gap by Helen Warren. House for April’s Open dancing girls and a visual Houses event will include interpretation of her family Eastbourne based artists Lyn history research. and Ray Lindfield, who Light refreshments, including specialise in medieval-style homemade cake, will be jewellery; Chris Furner, who available and proceeds will go will show his stone and wood to the British Heart Foundation. sculptures, and Maria Suarez, “We hope lots of people will who designs bead jewellery. visit us at The Big House to Also joining them will be admire the work, all handmade Louise Bell, a teacher at Sussex by designer/makers and artists.

Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 33 Shaking Up Classical Music

Mixing pop and opera wasn’t really the done thing until Blake used talent, cheek and a bit of luck to start a group over Facebook. Former Eastbourne College student Jules Knight tells CQ how they did it ahead of their Congress concert.

A chain of messages on social discovered his love of acting at “Ollie had contacted Stephen (Above) networking website school in Eastbourne. – both were Guildhall alumni Blake. Facebook between friends, He carried on singing and and were put in touch on a (Right) friends of friends and people acting at St Andrews University Facebook Guildhall alumni (L–R) Jules Knight, they wanted to work with. It’s and decided to pursue his page. We met up at the Ollie Baines, Natasha Marsh, an incredibly simple start for dreams and so moved to Guildhall School of Music and Dominic Tighe and a band that got a five-album London, completing his second sang together for the first time.” Stephen Bowman. record deal within days of Masters degree at the Central The next part he puts down meeting, and who can be School of Speech and Drama. to luck. A bold approach has credited with solidifying a “I had started auditioning for something to do with it. pop-opera sound. acting work but thought I Jules said: “We were being a The calibre of Jules Knight might as well try and put a bit cheeky and we sent a and his band mates – Ollie group of singers together for message to a guy on Facebook, Baines, Stephen Bowman and gigs and weddings,” Jules said. who we knew was a manager, Dominic Tighe – can’t be “We needed two other people asking if he would listen to us. dismissed. Jules was a chorister and we were thinking who we Amazingly, he got back to us at Winchester Cathedral and might ask. I had seen Dom in a immediately. He said he was at had sung all over the world by play at the Old Vic Theatre and home the next day and if we the time he was 13, and I contacted him on Facebook. wanted to go to his, he would

34 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 Shaking Up Classical Music

Blake and give us ten minutes. to shake up the classical thing a 1 in the UK Classical Chart. Natasha Marsh “So we sang to him and he bit so it’s not so rigid and it’s Natasha has also toured with in Concert was pretty gobsmacked, and more relaxed. We have video the likes of Il Divo, Russell Congress Theatre called his friend at Universal projections and photos of us Watson and Britain’s Got April 1 and said he was going to take us projected. We are young, you Talent winner Paul Potts. down there. He knew they know, and we are up for all that.” Jules said: “She has just had a were keen to put something Last year, they won the baby so we will be looking after like this together and we had Album of the Year Award at the the baby while she is doing her presented them with the Classical BRITs – a public voted bit on stage. She’s fantastic, a finished product. We got a five award. There must be very, very talented and very album deal.” something big planned for 2009? beautiful and lovely girl. We Blake’s second album And So “It’s hard. We have kind of have sung with her before and It Goes came out at the end of set ourselves up for having to it works really well.” last year. Sales of their debut achieve something great all the Despite the sudden fame album went gold within three time. We would like to go to Blake found, they take a weeks in 2007. The new album America. We went to Australia sensible, planned approach to is a clear example of Blake’s aim recently and that went very, maintaining the group’s success. to “shake up” classical music. very well. We are working on “We run Blake like a “We made the first album linking with a television show business,” Jules said. “We are in within weeks of having met. in America, having them follow tough times and people can The fist gig we did was at us around.” cancel events. It’s up to us to Wembley in front of 90,000 Touring with favourite UK make our contacts and secure people. It was like ‘My God, we soprano singer Natasha Marsh our business. There’s a lot of have really been thrown in at is already a highlight of the emailing and planning. There is the deep end’. In the last 18 year for Jules. Natasha enjoyed a sensible side that I find really months, we have sung together massive success earlier in 2008 interesting. Nowadays you have a massive amount and we are when her debut album Amour, to really understand it’s not really on top of our game now. which was released on EMI going to be handed to you on “We have always said we want Classics, went straight in at No a plate.”

“We have always said we want to shake up the classical thing a bit so it’s not so rigid and it’s more relaxed.”

Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 35 Liar Still Ringing True

Taking a break from Billy Liar rehearsals, Helen Fraser gets the chance to reminisce: Bad Girls, bad signing, great roles and a return to the plot that started her off. She talks to CQ.

It was 1963 when Helen to end up with. difficult decision. (Above) Fraser got her big break as “Personally, for me, it’s been Helen uses the term ‘full Helen Fraser and Dicken Ashworth. Billy Fisher’s more sensible very odd.” circle’ to describe more than and refined of two love Billy Fisher is less than forty years in the business, but interests, Barbara in the film inspired with his job as an there must be more than one Billy Liar. undertaker’s clerk in a dull lap of this metaphorical circle, Now she’s learning her lines to Yorkshire town. He escapes his as things have stayed busy play Billy’s mum in the timeless humdrum existence by throughout. For eight series, production of daydreaming and daydreaming his way to a she played Sylvia Hollamby – high hopes, and she comes to mythical fantasy kingdom aka Bodybag – in the prison Eastbourne in April. where Billy becomes ruler, hero series Bad Girls before taking Helen said: “It’s a lovely, and lover. the role to the West End in her lovely part but quite odd for me He has aspirations to be a first musical. as I was in the film forty years scriptwriter in the big city, but Just this Christmas, Helen ago with Tom Courtenay. You his overeager imagination leads was reunited with Tom sort of think Barbara would him to tell tall tales that create Courtenay for the first time have turned into Billy’s mum in havoc in his work, family and since making the film when forty years. She was the sort of romantic lives. His exploits they played Dave’s parents in girl Mrs Fisher wanted her son eventually lead him to make a The Royle Family on BBC1.

36 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 Liar Still Ringing True

Billy Liar “Being part of the Royle Devonshire Park Theatre Family Christmas special was April 11 very exciting and being back with Tom Courtenay again after forty years was just fantastic,” she said. “I think that was why they cast us, to see Billy and Barbara in family life forty years on, to see what they would be like – a bit boring and trying to be higher on the social scale than they actually were. “I have never laughed so much as when making that. To be with Tom again was incredible. I know it sounds clichéd but it was like it was yesterday.” “That certainly was physical. expected to work her role around. With such varied roles, it’s I went down two dress sizes,” “We never stop learning easy to see why she has such she said. “I have always said I can really. There’s always extremely different favourites – just about put a tune over. Once something. At the moment I Sylvia was her preferred TV role, you have been trained, you can am stunned by the amount of as it was completely her own. always dance, that wasn’t any props and am learning how She said: “Sylvia had a soft problem at all, but the singing they fit with my delivery of all side to her because she did have was more of a struggle. the lines. It’s just the first week her family and her children and “Fortunately, my part didn’t of rehearsals; I’m trying to her Bobby. She had to put on have to sing too much more learn my way around the set. her hard persona. She was an than that and I had to keep my “The play is set in the early old-fashioned prison officer, all northern accent. If somebody ‘60s when things were

“Billy and his daydreams are as relevant today as they have always been.”

(Above) about discipline. It was a joy to asked me to do a musical again, beginning to change. It was a Chris Hannon as Billy Liar. do and I will never get a part I might…as long as they didn’t very steady lifestyle – dad went (Right) like that again.” need a good singer!” off to work, mum stayed home Sally Sanders as Gran The attraction of taking Bad Now, the challenge and the and ironed the shirts. That’s and Helen Fraser as Alice Fisher. Girls to the West End was a learning curve come in the shape why they are so upset with Billy strong one, if challenging to fulfil. of the myriad props she is wanting to move away to London. They don’t know what to do with him.” Billy and his daydreams are as relevant today as they have always been. “It stands up so well and it’s also very sad,” Helen said. “I had forgotten how poignant it was, especially the third act when Billy wants to leave the family home and thinks the world begins and ends in London. It’s going to ring true with a few families.”

Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 37 Music From the Masters

Professional pianist and expert in Early Music Hendrik Bouman dreamt of finding a church to play in. CQ hears how, when he moved to Eastbourne, All Saints Chapel landed on his doorstep.

Hendrik Bouman moved in and for 15 years I have added to play there. (Above) next door to the Berkeley that composition of period styles. “I bought an antique broad Hendrik Bouman plays his broad wood Homes development at All “I have dreamt of having an wood grand piano from 1819, grand piano at Saints in Meads not knowing outlet in a little church or which has apparently been in All Saints Chapel. the long history of public chapel and these things have the same house in Meads for 70 performances and come together in All Saints. It years. It had a little time away community interest in the was absolutely ideal, so I spoke and then I brought it back and chapel, but feeling drawn to to Berkeley Homes.” it is the same period as the play there. Seeming like a Berkeley Homes has chapel itself.” happy twist of fate for developed the former It is this he will be playing, Hendrik, Berkeley Homes convalescence hospital into rather than the harpsichord he and all who want to see the sympathetically designed flats, has designed and built chapel used regularly, his always agreeing the much- according to the instrument’s concerts begin this month. loved chapel will be handed to a historic principles. “I became involved with the local organisation to manage. Hendrik plays music from chapel by chance really – I live Now Hendrik has fallen in love the masters – Bach, Vivaldi and beside it,” said Hendrik. “I am a with the building, with another Handel will be heard at his performer with a particular twist of fate confirming his concerts. He has also dedicated interest in the Early Music field feeling that he is destined to his time to unwrapping their

38 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 Music From the Masters

Hendrik Bouman work, getting to grips with the something like a language and All Saints Chapel way it was written. He was part why didn’t I put it back into Sun 15 March, of Musica Antiqua Köln – usage instead of just 19 April, 17 May, a strong presence in the interpreting old works,” 14 June & 5 July, movement to understand said Hendrik. 5.00pm these compositions. Viewing this as an honour He said: “Since the ‘60s, and a tribute to the masters there has been an increase in themselves, he said: “To (Right) Hendrik Bouman. the movement to understand honour this rich European this period long ago. We can’t musical heritage by embracing just say we know it and we can again this wonderful integrality, play it like all the other classical Eastbourne from Oxford. which in our time is still current music. The notation of that He has composed 87 works in most musical genres the time was elementary and our in the style of Early Music. world over, represents for me a twentieth century minds Formerly principal logical and necessary evolution cannot just read it and play it. harpsichordist of Musica in the authenticity movement “The movement focuses on Antiqua Köln, director of his in Early Music to which I have the methods of how to play it ensembles Haydn Heritage and contributed throughout my and the Musica Antiqua Köln Arcadia Di Genova, and career as soloist, accompanist, was very strong in bringing this conductor, notably of his conductor, educator and, for to the wider public.” period orchestra Les Nations over a decade, as improviser The Dutch performer De Montréal, in the early 1990s and composer of new baroque started his career in Hendrik Bouman immersed and classical music.” Amsterdam, met his Canadian himself in the art of period He hopes the combination of wife and moved to Canada to composition that he dedicated the chapel’s following and his become a professor of to his wife and muse Anna. rare talent for adapting Early harpsichord in Montreal, and “In the ‘90s, my wife said I Music in a new way will bring has recently moved to had acquired knowledge of people to his series.

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Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 39 People’s Favourite

The artworks displayed in People’s Choice, one of Towner’s first exhibitions, were chosen in a public vote. CQ asked five people to reveal their favourite works from the Towner Collection and explain why they chose them.

Towner’s first exhibition has weighing up the works to decide contemporary, Eric Ravilious, People’s Choice been chosen by the public which they wanted to see first. landscapes, people and figures, Towner from the Towner Collection in The collection encompasses in and seascapes – and voters were April 4 an innovative interactive excess of 4,000 works of art by asked to choose one favourite vote. It will be shown in the historic, modern and from each category. Permanent Collection Gallery contemporary artists, and It was inevitable, though, that when Towner opens its doors includes paintings, sculptures, voters would have an all time on April 4 and entry will photographs and drawings. favourite collection piece. CQ be free. The collection was divided asked five people to pin down the People’s Choice is the result into seven categories – abstract, artwork at the top of their list, of hundreds of individuals architecture and interiors, and to explain why they like it.

40 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 People’s Favourite

Downs in Winter “I have chosen for my favourite Ravilious watercolour Downs In by Eric Ravilious Winter. I love this picture because it is a field I know well. The view is taken from the Furlongs lane and my father painted it while sitting chosen by Anne Ullman, with Peggy Angus, who made a small sketch looking back to Furlongs. Ravilious’s daughter. “Of the painting itself, I like the geometry of the downs and the hatching on the fields and, against this, the precision of the drawing of the roll. This implement has moulded the field pattern and its circular form is echoed in the wintry sun, but it is the long horn shaped shafts which dominate the landscape.”

View Of Martello “This particular work appeals to me as it exhibits so many virtues Towers Near of an important painting, with many valuable local facets. It clearly shows the passion Tennant had for the sea and his wish to capture Bexhill 1835 so much detail of local fishing family life in the early 1800s. by John F Tennant “This is a well thought out composition with a clever use of a palette to depict the light he has mastered so well. Six Martello chosen by Nigel Greaves, the towers lead the eye into the shoreline and on to Beachy Head as it artist who runs his own gallery would have been then without well over 100 years of erosion. The behind the Grand Hotel in family activity is well painted and, as a seascape, one can appreciate Eastbourne. in this beautiful painting a great deal of our seaside’s history.”

Eastbourne 1958 “In a film made for Bedside TV at Eastbourne District General Hospital, Harold Mockford relates that, when this painting was by Harold Mockford bought from him by Towner curator William Gear, there was an chosen by Penny Jones, who is outcry in the local press. Apparently the skewed viewpoint that project manager for Arts in flattens the composition to show both the Long Man of Healthcare at Eastbourne Wilmington and the beach, with the town of Eastbourne nestling District General Hospital. between them, was too innovative for some people. “The picture is painted from memory and has a dreamlike quality. There is a feeling of being enfolded and protected in the downs and the sea is calm and unthreatening. It is night and the Long Man seems to be stepping out of the landscape into the town below.”

Farm Scene With “This painting was part of the original Towner bequest and I have Cart Horses always admired it. To begin with, he concentrated on racehorses but, in his later work, produced many paintings of farm horses and farm by J F Herring Snr scenes. He started off life as a stable boy and coach driver in Yorkshire and later studied in London under the well-known sporting painter chosen by Geoffrey Mantle, Abraham Cooper RA. Thus he had a unique understanding of horses chairman of the Friends of the and how to paint them. I think this comes across in his paintings. Towner and joint chairman of Herring had a son, J F Herring Jnr, who also painted farm horses.” the Eastbourne Society.

Church Under A Hill “Towner is spoilt for choice when it comes to Ravilious, but my 1926 choice is the black and white of Church Under A Hill (1926) based on a location a few miles up the Cuckmere. by Eric Ravilious “Here, shadowed by trees, the sun in the west, is St Michael at Litlington, its elements slightly rearranged. Behind, a prospect of the chosen by Andy Friend, who downland valley towards High and Over. One of his first large lives in Lewes and is currently blocks, it was cut when he was teaching at Eastbourne, his researching a book on illustrating career about to flourish. But already it shows the master Ravilious and Sussex. white line engraver at work, capturing the pattern and texture of surfaces, the elusive spirit of a place, and heralding so much fine work to come.”

Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 41 A Day in the Life… of a Theatre Manager

Seeing himself as the butler, the sensible one, the routemaster, anyone would think Gavin Davis was on the stage, not behind the scenes. CQ samples a day in the life of Eastbourne Theatres’ general manager.

“The most important person and enjoyable as possible. organisation but my team is the (Above) in the whole theatre industry Gavin is responsible for the mechanism to provide the Gavin Davis outside the Devonshire Park Theatre. is the patron. You can have buildings and their maintenance artistic vision here. Chris the biggest star name but, if and the front and rear of house. Jordan, Eastbourne Theatres’ (Left) no one is coming to see Ahead of Towner’s opening artistic director, decides which Gavin with theatres secretary Maxine Berwick. them, they have no value.” this April, he has also been direction we are going in and I He would say that, wouldn’t heavily involved in the new £8.6 make sure we get there.” he? As the general manager of million building, lending his Eastbourne Theatres is the Eastbourne Theatres, Gavin experience of reaching daily biggest council-run operation Davis wants the public to feel curtain up deadlines to the of its kind. The four-venue mix important so they will buy eagerly awaited gallery. allows strategic programming tickets and keep coming back. He said: “Mine is seen as the offering different shows for His enthusiasm is more sensible job within the different audiences. genuine than that. Gavin “We can have a musical in the started work at 7.30am and has Congress and at the same time a a full diary – catch ups with play in the Devonshire Park, a team members and artistic variety show in the Hippodrome director Chris Jordan, and and a conference in the Winter overseeing the £70,000 rewiring Garden,” said Gavin. “All very of the Winter Garden, plus the different, but all entertaining. £56,000 rewiring and new fire Throughout the year we can alarm installation at the have up to 4,000 people here Devonshire Park. a night. Some days, he will be at “My teams prepare front of work until after the curtain house, making sure everything goes down. He is dedicated to is clean, stocked up and making the Eastbourne properly staffed, that sets are Theatres experience as smooth being constructed and lighting

42 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 A Day in the Life…of a Theatre Manager

(Right) built. I can focus on the future Gavin liaises with catering and reviewing the past.” and conference staff. Walking through the (Below) physically linked sites on the Gavin has been heavily periphery of the Devonshire involved with the new Towner building. Park, Gavin is arranging meetings, touching base, checking in on electrical work being carried out. It is the day after Eastbourne Theatres’ pantomime Snow White has finished. Get out – Eastbourne Borough Council’s discerning and very educated. the actual clearing of conference department, We need a happy medium pantomime paraphernalia – Gavin’s team facilitates the between profitable shows and marks a significant transition in requirements of each event. high quality productions.” the year. The panto has been “The theatres may look So negotiating how to another record breaker, despite closed between shows but there market the show, how many the economic downturn. are conferences going on.” front of house and technical “This year has been our Gavin’s pre-show staff pep staff will be required for each biggest year ever,” Gavin said. talks focus on customer care performance, and how to get

“I am very proud of all our staff and how they go about their work.”

“More people through the delivery, sales and health bums on seats in July is part of door, more money through the and safety. Gavin’s day in January. box office. It’s wonderful, the He said: “As general Evita is expected to be a sell support we have had from the manager, I actually see myself out. There are not many people of Eastbourne this year. as a butler. I am no more than a theatres around the country With a difficult economy, it’s manservant and I try to instil that can stage a big West End the leisure industry that usually that in the staff. Often the box production, and the Congress gets hit first.” office staff and the usher are Theatre’s nearest Pantomime is one of the the only people the patron will contemporaries are in most visible uses of the make contact with. I am very Southampton and London. theatres, while conferences proud of all our staff and how Last year, Eastbourne seem to almost go on behind they go about their work.” Theatres yielded £4.5 million, the scenes. For 2009, 26 Picking up the telephone to with 720 performances, 199 conferences have already been liaise with the production different shows and 300,000 booked, proving their company for Evita, which patrons. In Gavin’s ten years here, importance to the town’s arrives at the Congress in July, he has seen positive changes. economy and visitor numbers. Gavin states: “Eastbourne “The reason I am still here is Working closely with Theatres’ audiences are very because my role and Eastbourne Theatres have developed and matured and become very unique in that time. Whether we are producing a show in-house or receiving various concerts, plays and conferences, every day is different. “It’s sometimes challenging but always entertaining. And occasionally I might get to see a show!”

Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 43 Colourful Inspiration

Mary Stubberfield is an adaptable Eastbourne based artist with many strings to her bow.

Mary Stubberfield started and Hydra in Greece. being near it while I was in Great Escape painting at an early age, and Mary travelled to India and London,” she said. “Living in Arts in Healthcare her talents have blossomed the Mediterranean and was Eastbourne, I can come up Eastbourne District over the years to include inspired by the colours and with an idea and only have to General Hospital landscapes in oil and sights she saw. take a walk to the beach or the watercolour, illustrations, “I’ve spent a lot of time in Downs to do some sketching.” (Above) graphic and website design, Greece and love the colours, Mary exhibits annually at the Mary has been inspired and even the occasional they’re so different from the Art For Youth exhibition at the by the South Downs pet portrait. ones we see here. I was also Mall Galleries in London and and the Mediterranean. Mary says her art teacher at inspired by the architecture in won the Diana Brooks Prize in (Left) Ratton School had a big influence Malta and have produced a lot her first year at the show. Mary Stubberfield. on her early career choices. of work based on my trips to “Art For Youth raises money “Mr Rowan was a good art the Mediterranean.” for youth centres in London teacher, and I think he had a lot Mary moved back to from commission on paintings to do with me choosing to go on Eastbourne in 1999. sold. I’m not supposed to know, to Eastbourne College of Arts & “I love the sea, and I missed as purchases are anonymous, but Technology and study art.” someone famous bought one of After ECAT, Mary went on my works there. I’m not allowed to study illustration at to say who it was!” she laughs. Bournemouth & Poole College Mary’s Mediterranean and before moving to London. seaside scenes are currently on After working as a freelance show at Radiology Reception illustrator, creating illustrations Area 2 on the ground floor of for books, cards and magazines, Eastbourne District General she first exhibited her paintings Hospital as part of the Great at the Zebra One gallery in Escape exhibition for the East Hampstead in 1991, and has Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust’s also exhibited in Atlanta, USA, Arts in Healthcare project.

44 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 Presenting for your Enjoyment…

There are several amateur dramatics societies in Eastbourne. Here, CQ gives a roundup of what some of them have to offer this season.

Eastbourne Operatic & Eastbourne Stagers Rattonians (Above) Dramatic Society Eastbourne Stagers Eastbourne Stagers’ next major The Rattonian Youth Group will in rehearsal for Back To The 80s. EODS is staging the musical production is Back To The 80s present Just So on April 15 –18 at Carousel by Rodgers and at the Devonshire Park Theatre the Devonshire Park Theatre. Hammerstein at the Congress from September 14. The The musical, based on Rudyard Theatre on May 27 –30. Musical production team will be led by Kipling’s Just So Stories for numbers include June Is Bustin’ Luisa Veitch and supported by children, takes the most Out All Over and You’ll Never musical director Simon imaginative of these tales and Walk Alone. The story revolves Pickering and choreographers weaves them into an adventure. around factory girl Julie Jordan Teresa Smith and Fiona Hacker. Join the elephant’s child as he who falls in love with travelling The show will be “a cross sets out on a song-filled journey carnival man Billy Bigelow. between High School Musical across oceans and through the Directed by Nicholas Reynolds, and Grease”, with musical jungle to the great grey-green with musical direction by numbers such as Footloose, greasy Limpopo River. Along Daniel Goodger, the show Material Girl, We Are The the way, discover how the features performances from World, Video Killed The Radio rhinoceros got baggy skin, the Florence Chisholm, Susie Star, and other well known leopard got its spots, the Blundell, Lee Reynolds and eighties classics. kangaroo got its bounce, and Mark Stevens. Book on 01323 412000 the elephant got his trunk. Book on 01323 412000 www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk Book on 01323 412000 www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 45 Eastbourne Presents...

ELAINE PAGE PACK OF LIES *MARSHMELLOW NIGHT CONGRESS THEATRE DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE ART TRAIL Mon 16 March, 7.30pm Mon 23–Sat 28 March, 7.45pm LIFE BOAT MUSEUM Wed & Sat Mat 2.30pm Sat 11 April, 6.45pm BLONDE BOMBSHELLS OF 1943 AS ONE 2009 ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE CONGRESS THEATRE UNDER GROUND THEATRE Mon 16–Sat 21 March, 7.45pm Tue 24–Wed 25 March, 7.00pm Sat 11 April, 7.30pm Wed & Sat Mat 2.30pm MAKE ‘EM LAUGH *THE EASTER DUMMY CIRCUS OF HORRORS UNDER GROUND THEATRE UNDER GROUND THEATRE CONGRESS THEATRE Fri 27 March, 7.30pm Sun 12 April, 7.00pm Tue 17 March, 7.30pm JOSEPH & THE AMAZING JAZZMATAZZ TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT BIG JAZZ, RHYTHM & UNDER GROUND THEATRE CONGRESS THEATRE BLUES ORCHESTRA Sat 28 March, 10.00am Mon 6–Sat 11 April, Mon–Thu BAY HOTEL 7.30pm, Fri–Sat 5.00pm & 8.00pm Tuesdays, 8.00pm Tue–Thu Mat 2.30pm, Sat Mat 2.00pm

ERIC RAVILIOUS TALK WINTER GARDEN – GOLD ROOM Tue 7 April, 7.30pm

JIM DAVIDSON CONGRESS THEATRE Sun 12 April, 7.30pm

CAROLINE TYLER GIOVANNI GUZZO PIANO RECITAL TOWNER THE HOLLIES EASTBOURNE COLLEGE THEATRE Tue 14 April, 7.30pm CONGRESS THEATRE Sun 29 March, 3.00pm Wed 18 March, 7.30pm RATTONIANS YOUTH GROUP EODS PRESENTS PRESENTS JUST SO 2009 SOUTHERN FM BE YOUR TABLE MANNERS DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE BEST ROCK CHALLENGE UNDER GROUND THEATRE BILLY LIAR Wed 15–Sat 18 April, 7.30pm CONGRESS THEATRE Tue 31 March–Sat 4 April, 7.30pm DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE Wed & Sat Mat 2.30pm, Fri 20 March, 7.00pm Sat Mat 2.30pm Tue 7–Sat 11 April, 7.45pm Thu 5.00pm Wed & Sat Mat 2.30pm MARK CROOKS JAZZ QUARTET WE’LL MEET AGAIN See Page 36 *VIRGINIA MONOLOGUES UNDER GROUND THEATRE WINTER GARDEN – FLORAL HALL BIBENDUM Fri 20 March, 8.00pm Wed 1 April, 2.30pm *SCREAMING BLUE MURDER Wed 15 April, 7.30pm COMEDY CLUB ART OF DEREK BAULCOMB BLAKE & NATASHA MARSH WINTER GARDEN SOLID SILVER 60S SHOW UNDER GROUND THEATRE CONGRESS THEATRE Fri 10 April, 8.00pm CONGRESS THEATRE Sat 21 March, 10.00am Wed 1 April, 7.30pm Wed 15 April, 7.30pm See Page 34 *POLAND BY THE SEA EASTBOURNE RAILWAY STATION JUBILATE BRASS QUINTET BOURNE FROM THE ELEMENTS Sat 11–Sun 26 April EASTBOURNE COLLEGE THEATRE CONGRESS THEATRE Thu 16 April, 6.45pm Thu 2 April, 7.00pm DAVID GREENWOOD & BRIAN WORLAND *TURNER IN SOUTH SOVEREIGN HARBOUR ART UNDER GROUND THEATRE EAST ENGLAND GROUP EXHIBITION Sat 11 April, 10.00am TOWNER UNDER GROUND THEATRE Thu 16 April, 7.30pm Sat 4 April, 10.00am *EASTBOURNE FESTIVAL EVENTS *MAGDALENA RISING & BLUES BROTHERS EXPERIENCE REDOUBT FORTRESS THE BLUE CAFÉ JAZZ BAND AL MURRAY WINTER GARDEN – FLORAL HALL Sat 11–Sun 26 April, Tue–Sun THE LAMB INN CONGRESS THEATRE Sat 4 April, 8.00pm 10.00am–5.00pm Thu 16 April, 8.00pm Sat 21 March, 8.00pm

Congress Theatre Devonshire Park Theatre Winter Garden To book tickets: Congress Theatre, Devonshire Park Theatre and Winter Garden 01323 412000 www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk Towner 01323 731607 www.friendsofthetowner.org.uk Eastbourne College Theatre 01323 452255 boxoffi[email protected] Under Ground Theatre 01323 737677 www.undergroundtheatre.org.uk

JOHN HANCORN FLEETWOOD MAC EASTBOURNE CHORAL SOCIETY TOWNER CONGRESS THEATRE PRESENTS HAYDN’S CREATION Tue 21 April, 7.30pm Thu 30 April, 7.30pm ALL SAINTS CHURCH Sat 16 May, 7.30pm *EASTBOURNE FESTIVAL LIVE ART OF SUKI MONTAGUE WINTER GARDEN UNDER GROUND THEATRE DUO Fri 24 April, 6.00pm Sat 2 May, 10.00am UNDER GROUND THEATRE Sat 25 April, 10.00pm Sun 17 May, 3.00pm EASTBOURNE’S TEA DANCES *FESTIVAL FASHION SHOW WINTER GARDEN – FLORAL HALL EASTBOURNE’S TEA DANCES & FROCK SWAP Tue 5 May, 2.00pm WINTER GARDEN – FLORAL HALL COMMUNITY WISE Tue 19 May, 2.00pm SIMON SPILLETT Sat 25 April, 8.00pm NEVILLE DICKIE QUARTET JAZZ QUARTET Tickets: 01323 738020/ WITH TONY JACOBS HAND, HEAD & HEART – UNDER GROUND THEATRE 07963 566908 TOWNER A POTTER’S PROGRESS Fri 17 April, 8.00pm Tue 5 May, 7.30pm TOWNER THE HUSTLERS Tue 19 May, 7.30pm *BEN PALEY & TAB HUNTER UNDER GROUND THEATRE TRIAL BY JURY & THE LAMB INN Fri 24 April, 8.00pm HMS PINAFORE EVERGREEN SINGERS Fri 17 April, 8.00pm DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE UNDER GROUND THEATRE Tue 5–Sat 9 May, 7.45pm Sat 23 May, 10.00am ART OF IMOGEN SKELLY Wed & Sat Mat 2.30pm UNDER GROUND THEATRE EODS PRESENTS CAROUSEL Sat 18 April, 10.00am BLACK STRAP MOLASSES CONGRESS THEATRE UNDER GROUND THEATRE Wed 27–Sat 30 May, 7.30pm ROBERT MILNES Sat 9 May, 10.00am Thu & Sat Mat 2.30pm PIANO RECITAL UNDER GROUND THEATRE THE MISSIONARY’S POSITION Sun 19 April, 3.00pm UNDER GROUND THEATRE Sat 9 May, 7.30pm

LETTERS FROM NYC LONDON PHILHARMONIC JAZZ BAND ORCHESTRA UNDER GROUND THEATRE CONGRESS THEATRE Sat 25 April, 10.00am Sun 10 May, 3.00pm

DUO JIMMY CARR UNDER GROUND THEATRE CONGRESS THEATRE Sun 26 April, 3.00pm Mon 11 May, 8.00pm JOE STILGOE JAZZ TRIO UNDER GROUND THEATRE THAT’LL BE THE DAY Fri 29 May, 8.00pm *SIGN OF THE TIMES CONGRESS THEATRE DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE Sun 26 April, 7.30pm GOLDEN CITIES OF THE Mon 20–Sat 25 April, 7.45pm MEDITERRANEAN PAST Wed & Sat Mat 2.30pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S UNDER GROUND THEATRE SPIDER’S WEB Sat 30 May, 10.00am JOHNNY’S MIDNIGHT DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE GOGGLES Mon 27 April–Sat 2 May, 7.45pm DIMITRIS DEKAVALIS EASTBOURNE COLLEGE THEATRE Wed & Sat Mat 2.30pm TOWNER Tue 21 April, 7.00pm Tue 16 June, 7.30pm BRIAN CONNELLY *DEMENTIA DIARIES CONGRESS THEATRE PORVARI ART OF JOHN GROSS LITTLE POLKA CAFÉ Tue 28 April, 7.30pm UNDER GROUND THEATRE UNDER GROUND THEATRE Tue 21–Wed 22 & Fri 15 May, 8.00pm Sat 6 June, 10.00am Fri 24 April, 7.15pm SHAOLIN WARRIORS Sun 26 April, 6.30pm CONGRESS THEATRE ART OF GORDON HUTSON BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Tickets: 01323 729622/ Wed 29 April, 7.30pm UNDER GROUND THEATRE CONGRESS THEATRE 07972 037612 Sat 16 May, 10.00am Tue 9–Sat 13 June, 7.30pm Thu & Sat Mat 2.30pm

*Eastbourne Festival events

Eastbourne College Theatre Towner New Tennis Tournament Booking Fast

Tennis fans across the world can now snap up tickets for this year’s AEGON International, the combined men’s and women’s tennis tournament on June 13 –20 at Devonshire Park in Eastbourne.

Keen tennis spectators are of Eastbourne’s summer and but also internationally.” Photographs by being encouraged to book I’m delighted that tickets are Eastbourne’s box office James Jordan their tickets fast for the now on sale. I’m sure there’ll be systems were upgraded earlier (Above) AEGON International a huge take up with fans from this year and the number of Devonshire Park will tournament to ensure they all over the world wanting to phone lines was increased to host the AEGON International combined get in on the action when the guarantee their place at the help cope with the demand for men's and women's men play alongside the AEGON International. The tickets. Well over £100,000 was tennis tournament on women for the first time at brand new tournament is set to taken through the box office on June 13–20. Devonshire Park in the be a major sporting event, not the first day of sales. popular pre-Wimbledon just in Eastbourne and the UK, Cllr Wallis said: “The first event. Life assurance and day of sales was a huge success pensions company AEGON and the box office team has been announced as the managed to process an lead partner for the unprecedented number of tournament. phone calls and over the Cllr Steve Wallis, Eastbourne counter bookings.” Borough Council spokesperson To book tickets for the event, for tourism, said: “The tennis telephone 01323 412000 or visit this year is set to be a highlight www.visiteastbourne.com

48 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 Classified Ads

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Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009 49 Classified Ads

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50 Cultural Quarterly Spring 2009