De La Warr Pavilion

De La Warr Pavilion. It is a Grade I listed International Style building located on the seafront at Bexhill-on-Sea in East Sussex. Commissioned by Herbrand Sackville, 9th Earl De La Warr, the modernist structure was designed by the architects Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff and opened in 1935. It is widely regarded as one of Britain's first major public buildings built in the modern architectural idiom and has served as a prominent cultural centre for decades.

History

The impetus for the pavilion came from the progressive politician Herbrand Sackville, 9th Earl De La Warr, who was the mayor of Bexhill-on-Sea and a committed socialist. In 1933, he launched an architectural competition, judged by figures like H. S. Goodhart-Rendel and C. H. James, seeking a design for a new entertainment venue to revitalize the town. The winning entry was submitted by the émigré architect Erich Mendelsohn, then in partnership with Serge Chermayeff, whose design beat over 230 other proposals. Construction was funded partly by public subscription and a grant from the Cunard Line, with the foundation stone laid in January 1934. The building opened to great acclaim in December 1935, with a performance by the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Adrian Boult. During the Second World War, it was used by the British Army and suffered minor damage from a Luftwaffe bomb. Post-war, it resumed its role as a entertainment venue, hosting dances, concerts, and exhibitions, though it later entered a period of decline from the 1970s onward.

Architecture

The pavilion is a seminal work of early Modernism in the United Kingdom, constructed from a steel frame with concrete and glass curtain walls. Its design is characterized by clean horizontal lines, a sweeping curved facade facing the English Channel, and a prominent cantilevered balcony. Key features include the central spiral staircase, a large auditorium, and extensive terraces that blend interior and exterior spaces. The use of new materials and technologies, such as Vitrolite panels and steel-framed windows, was revolutionary for its time. The architectural partnership of Erich Mendelsohn, a leading figure of the German Expressionist movement, and the Russian-born Serge Chermayeff resulted in a building that embodied the ideals of the International Style, emphasizing function, light, and openness. Its design directly influenced later British modernist projects like the Royal Festival Hall.

Cultural significance

Upon its opening, the pavilion was proclaimed as a "People's Palace", intended to provide high-quality arts and leisure facilities for the general public. It quickly became a social hub, attracting visitors for concerts by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, dances, and theatrical performances. It has hosted notable events such as the first Bexhill-on-Sea motor racing meetings, which preceded the Goodwood Circuit. Throughout its history, it has been associated with significant cultural figures, including the poet John Betjeman and the composer Benjamin Britten. The building's iconic status was cemented when it appeared in films like *The End of the Affair* and music videos for bands such as The Who. It is considered a landmark of modernist architecture and a symbol of 1930s optimism and social democratic ideals.

Restoration and redevelopment

By the late 20th century, the building had deteriorated significantly, leading to a major campaign for its preservation. A pivotal grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2002 enabled a £8 million restoration project, led by architects John McAslan + Partners and structural engineers Dewhurst Macfarlane. The project, completed in 2005, carefully repaired the original fabric, reinstated lost features, and added a contemporary glass-fronted restaurant extension. Further redevelopment occurred in 2017 with the opening of a new creative learning studio, supported by the Arts Council England. These works ensured the building met modern accessibility and environmental standards while preserving its architectural integrity, allowing it to function as a full-time contemporary arts centre.

Governance and operation

The pavilion is owned by Rother District Council and operated by the independent charitable trust, the De La Warr Pavilion Charitable Trust. Its programming and operations are funded through a mix of public grants, notably from Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation, earned income, and private donations. The trust is governed by a board of trustees and overseen by a director, with a staff team managing its artistic programme of visual arts exhibitions, live music, theatre, and dance. It maintains partnerships with national institutions like the British Council and Creative Scotland, and its commercial activities include venue hire, retail, and catering operations which support its charitable mission to provide public access to the arts.

Category:Grade I listed buildings in East Sussex Category:Art museums and galleries in East Sussex Category:Modernist architecture in England Category:Tourist attractions in East Sussex