The Towner Gallery is an award-winning new contemporary art museum for the South East. Towner presents major exhibitions of contemporary and historic art alongside changing displays from the renowned Towner Collection.
Rick Mather Architects were commissioned to create a new Cultural Centre to house the Towner Gallery as well as providing a new conference exhibition space, community activity rooms, retail facilities and a cafe. The design of the new building was informed by many factors including views, circulation and the scale and nature of neighbouring existing buildings. Sited next to the Grade II* listed Congress Theatre, the new building brings a twenty-first century addition to Devonshire Park, which plays host to the pre-Wimbledon annual International Ladies Tennis Tournament, and strengthen its position as Eastbourne’s cultural quarter.
SCP Contracts worked with Rick Mather Architects and The Towners Artistic Director to provide Gallery benches, conference room and office furniture plus seating and one off pieces for the Gallery. SCP Contracts echoed the aspiration and boldness inherent in the overall design of the Cultural Centre by specifying striking pieces for the Gallery and communal spaces. We also provided a lightweight and functional option for the very flexible conference spaces. The products specified for the Gallery and communal spaces were (amongst others) the curvaceous Suffolk Bench by Robin Day and the angular and striking Chair One by Konstantin Grcic, both by Magis. For the Conference rooms, the stackable 40/4 Chair by David Rowland for Howe was chosen. SCP Contracts are delighted to have been involved with the development and specification on a building that is a joy to both view and visit.
Products:
Sussex Bench by Robin Day (Magis)
Florence Knoll gallery bench (Knoll)
40/4 Chair by David Rowland (Howe)
Chair One by Konstantin Grcic (Magis)
Air Chair by Jasper Morrison (Magis)
XL Desking (Fantoni)
Task Chairs (Interstuhl)
Nobody Chairs (Hay)