The De La Warr Pavilion is delighted to announce a collaboration with the photographer Julian Anderson for its major transformation project, An Icon For Everyone in partnership with Rother District Council.
Photography: Julian AndersonPhotography: Julian Anderson
Julian will be creatively documenting the evolution of the Pavilion’s transformational building works, capturing the architecture and its interventions as the project continues redeveloping this pioneering centre for the arts. There will be a refurbished auditorium, new learning and community spaces and galleries plus improved accessibility and environmental sustainability — securing the Pavilion’s purpose as a creative and cultural home for all.
Julian says:
“I am excited to work with the Pavilion on this project and look forward to seeking out moments of inspiration from the stunning architecture, while documenting some of the hidden gems of this beautiful building during its transition.”
Stewart Drew, Director and CEO of the De La Warr Pavilion says:
“We are thrilled to be working with Julian, whose work captures the sleek lines and shapes of the Pavilion as well as the faded beauty of its 90 years. We are fortunate that Julian lives locally and delighted to welcome him as part of the project.”
Julian Anderson is an internationally known photographer whose work including architecture, portraits and the natural world. His architectural work includes London’s Elizabeth Line, The Connaught Hotel, The Millenium Bridge and The London Olympic Stadium while his editorial work includes The Guardian Saturday magazine, Time, Conde Nast Traveller, The Royal Academy, Sight and Sound magazine and The Art Fund. Commercial commissions include ESK Cashmere, the Maybourne Hotel Group, The Old Vic Theatre, Romeo Hotel Naples, Reignwood and Max Fordham.
Julian’s has 27 portraits in the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection, including Sir David Attenborough (currently on display), Sir Peter Blake, Motorhead’s Lemmy and Lord Norman Foster.
The De La Warr Pavilion has announced that work has now begun to restore and reimagine the Grade I listed modernist landmark in Bexhill-On-Sea on England’s south coast. Launching the major transformation project, An Icon For Everyone in partnership with Rother District Council, that will redevelop this pioneering centre for the arts, creating new learning and community spaces, refurbish the auditorium and galleries, improve accessibility, support environmental sustainability and secure the Pavilion’s purpose as a creative and cultural home for all. This project is a key part of Transforming Heritage. Powering Community, a UK Government-funded partnership between Heart of Sidley, De La Warr Pavilion, and Rother District Council working together to create opportunities, inspiring pride of place and strengthening community life across Bexhill and Sidley.
Currently the De La Warr Pavilion in its 90th year is showing its age physically and environmentally. The building’s fabric is deteriorating and both structural and operational deficits need addressing urgently. The building has badly insulated external walls and leaking roofs, with poor levels of airtightness due to many of the metal-framed, single-glazed windows showing signs or corrosion and cracking. These issues will be resolved through this major transformation project, designed by multi prize-winning architects Haworth Tompkins in consultation with our local communities.
The first appointed contractors on site will be RTB roofing, working to improve the Pavilion’s environmental sustainability by fixing the main foyer flat roof so that it is watertight and insulated, ensuring the inside of the building is warmer and more comfortable for visitors and ready for improvements to heating and airtightness that will come with the later works. Key preparatory works will also be carried out on the auditorium roof ahead of the installation of solar photovoltaics later in the year (solar panels paid for by Rother District Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)* funding).
Other work happening this year is the restoration of the iconic De La Warr Pavilion north and south staircase glazing, where specialist heritage glazing contractors will remove each pane of glass and carefully repair the metal frames before reglazing. This work will help improve the performance and long-term resilience of the building and reduce its operational environmental impact.
Planned works this Spring also include the repair of the auditorium piano lift, after being out-of-service for the last three years, contractors Centre Stage Engineering will restore this essential piece of equipment meaning our technical team can load in band equipment from the west stage doors avoiding the need to load through the delicate glass doors at the front of the building. Staging and seating can now be stored beneath the stage and accessed easily, reducing heavy lifting and turnaround times and allowing the auditorium to better support multiple users.
De La Warr Pavilion auditorium audiences will be happy to hear that new permanent seating is currently being crafted by Audience Systems, a leading UK designer, manufacturer and installer of specialist seating. With fabric now in production by Bute Fabrics (est. 1947) on the Isle of Bute, home of our sister Pavilion in Rothesay. Supporters can donate through the Your Seat In History campaign to help fund the building project, have their name engraved on chair plaques in the auditorium and become part of the Pavilion’s story.
All areas of the Pavilion will remain open throughout 2026. Some scaffolding will be in place and certain routes through the building will be temporarily adjusted. The addition of the DLWP 90th birthday Summer Programme on the south terrace will ensure that summer 2026 is a time full of activity for the pavilion.
This project is made possible through De La Warr Pavilion’s partnership with Rother District Council and the generous support of the UK Government, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, The Chalk Cliff Trust, Foyle Foundation, and Suzy Eddie Izzard.
Stewart Drew, CEO and Director, De La Warr Pavilion says:
“We have an exciting 90th year ahead as we begin these essential works to restore the Pavilion, starting with the roof and our iconic staircase glazing. This marks an important step towards our goal of reducing energy use and cutting costs in line with wider Net Zero ambitions. Alongside these works, new auditorium seating is on its way, and the return of a fully operational piano lift will significantly improve how we work behind the scenes – moving towards the start of Phase 1 of our masterplan project to reimagine this special place for the next century. This transformative project will create new learning and community spaces, improve accessibility, support sustainability and secure the Pavilion’s purpose as a creative and cultural home for all.
While there will be some changes around the building during this period, we’re delivering a bumper programme of events, exhibitions, gigs, screenings and special days for our community this year including Bexhill’s Big Summer Sounds, a festival that sees the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra take over the De La Warr Pavilion, alongside a major outdoor programme across the Pavilion’s terrace and lawns. Plus, our neighbour, Heart of Sidley’s new hub, also opens this June. Bexhill is a fantastic place to be.”
* The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge that local authorities in England and Wales can place on new developments to help fund infrastructure such as schools, transport, parks, and health facilities. It ensures that development contributes toward the cost of supporting the community it creates or impacts.
Rother District Council (RDC) are advertising for a suitable qualified and experienced Main Contractor to deliver our auditorium and foyer works at the as part of the transformation project, An Icon For Everyone.
The contract will to undertake a comprehensive set of refurbishment activities to renovate the original auditorium, redesign the foyer spaces and improve visitor experience and accessibility. The work is scheduled to start in January 2027 and complete in summer 2028. The Pavilion is going to remain live and operational throughout this period in a limited capacity.
The appointed/shortlisted contractors need to meet stringent requirements and be best suited to carry out this complex conservation project. RDC have contacted suitable scale local businesses to ensure local engagement and the procurement process is open to those that meet required criteria through the council’s procurement website. RDC are ensuring that all tenderers can provide compelling evidence of their contribution to the local area through direct employment, sub-contractor relationships and supply chain. This means that money spent on contractors through the project will be re-invested in Bexhill, Rother & East Sussex through jobs and trade.
For more information about this contract tender please visit: find-tender.service.gov.uk and for more information about An Icon For Everyone please visit: dlwp.com.
In January this year, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced a new UK-wide competition for the UK Town Of Culture 2028. Towns of all different sizes are invited to bid for a total of £3.5m to spend on an ambitious programme of cultural activity that tells its unique story and contribution to the UK.
The Bexhill Cultural Network (BCN) intends to put Bexhill forward for this incredible opportunity. If successful, residents of Bexhill , as well as those who visit, will create, have access to and participate in activities such as dance, drama, song, art, craft, music, film, events and festivals that will show the world what a fantastic town we live in.
As a first step towards the Expression of Interest, BCN need to know how you, the people of Bexhill, want to tell our story – a story that sets Bexhill apart from the hundreds of other towns that will apply. We only have 400 words to do this so we invite you to respond to four key questions and statements that we have been asked us to consider, that will help us pull that story together:
– What are Bexhill’s values?
– What is Bexhill proud of?
– How does Bexhill contribute to our national story?
Through conversations and workshops we have learned that Bexhill sees itself as a town shaped by independence and care; for the sea, for shared spaces, and for the everyday life of the community. We know that very many people shape the culture of Bexhill in a myriad of ways: in schools and after school clubs, on the beach and in open spaces, in industrial units and community halls, through music, making, storytelling, heritage and social, well-being and sporting activity. They contribute to the cultural life of the town, often voluntarily, without ever calling, or knowing it as ‘culture’.
Therefore we need as many people as possible – individuals of all ages, shops, businesses, cafes and restaurants, B&Bs, charities, sports clubs, community groups, care homes and social groups of all kinds – to tell us what you know and love about Bexhill.
Your survey responses, along with the public consultation carried out by the Bexhill Neighbourhood Board in 2024, will help BCN tell the story of Bexhill in your words, and create the vision of what our Town of Culture programme might include. Please help us to tell our unique and authentic story and win this huge investment for our town.
We are pleased to have the support of Dr Kieran Mullan, MP for Bexhill and Battle who says:
“I’m delighted that Bexhill will be applying to be the UK Town of Culture 2028. Anyone who lives in, works in, or visits Bexhill already knows that the town has a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive cultural scene. Throughout the year, it hosts and supports a broad and exciting range of cultural events, exhibitions, educational programmes, societies, clubs, and organisations.”
Bexhill’s passion and enthusiasm for culture make the town unique and help residents of all ages to live full and enriched lives. I am proud to give my full support to this bid.”
More information on the UK Town Of Culture competition can be found here.
Image: Bexhill-on-Sea coming together to achieve the Guinness World Record for the largest Charleston dance on July 23, 2017, with 1,086 participants dancing for five minutes at the De La Warr Pavilion.
Kim Byford, our Head of Skills, speaks on the impact of Future Ready placements at the De La Warr Pavilion.
We’ve loved welcoming Aydin and Ryan from Littlegate College on their Future Ready supported employment placements with us since October. Every Thursday for the last 10 weeks, they’ve worked across a range of departments at the De La Warr Pavilion, building real workplace skills, confidence, and experience in a truly open and inclusive environment.
Our skills programme has access at its heart – enabling all young people to explore different roles, develop transferable skills, and become genuinely work ready, whatever their starting point. Aydin and Ryan have grown hugely in confidence and capability, showing just how powerful the right support and a welcoming workplace can be.
Georgia (Work Coach): “It’s been such a joy working at the De La Warr and watching both Aydin and Ryan come out of their shells and collect new skills. What a wonderful, welcoming team you have here!”
We’re incredibly proud of Aydin and Ryan and grateful to our teams for making inclusion and skills development part of everyday working life.
If you’re considering how to support skills development, inclusion, and future talent, we’d strongly encourage you to explore a Future Ready placement. Opening your workplace can make a life-changing difference – for individuals and for your organisation too.
On its 90th Birthday – De La Warr Pavilion and Rother District Council awarded £7.6 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to complete the essential first phase of landmark restoration and transformation project.
Celebrating its 90th birthday on 12th December, The De La Warr Pavilion and partner Rother District Council are delighted to announce that the Pavilion has been awarded £7,646,425 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver Phase 1 of “An Icon for Everyone” a landmark £51.9 million masterplan project to restore and reimagine Britain’s first modernist multi-arts centre.
This transformational funding will enable the De La Warr Pavilion, working in partnership with Rother District Council, to begin urgent heritage conservation and capital works that safeguard the Grade I listed building and expand its role as a place for community, creativity and skills across the region and nationally.
The award marks a major milestone for the Pavilion’s 90th anniversary year and follows cornerstone significant investment from the UK Government and Rother District Council, alongside generous support from Arts Council England, East Sussex County Council, The Foyle Foundation, Suzy Eddie Izzard, The Chalk Cliff Trust and many private donors.
A new chapter for a ‘People’s Pavilion’
Commissioned in 1935 by the 9th Earl De La Warr and designed by pioneering architects Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff, the Pavilion was envisioned as a “People’s Palace” an embodiment of modernist ideals of innovation, equality and cultural access. Nearly a century later, it remains a beacon of creativity and social vision on the Bexhill seafront, welcoming more than 350,000 visitors each year.
However, after decades of exposure to the coastal environment, the Pavilion faces critical conservation challenges including roof leaks, corroding windows and ageing infrastructure that threaten both its fabric and its mission.
Designed by award-winning architects Haworth Tompkins with input from local people and delivered in partnership with RDC, Phase 1 of the masterplan will address these urgent heritage repairs while improving accessibility, creating new learning and community spaces, and embedding sustainability at every level.
Transforming heritage into opportunity
Building on significant investment from the UK government and additional support from Rother District Council this investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will unlock the Pavilion’s potential to serve as a regional driver for creativity, skills and regeneration by widening access to culture, generating local employment and strengthening Bexhill’s economy.
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“This project will conserve and celebrate this modernist jewel, connecting the community and visitors to the heritage of one of Britain’s most important modernist landmarks as it celebrates its 90th Birthday.
“It will improve accessibility to the building and provide opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in heritage, learn new creative skills and be part of the journey to bring this internationally significant building to life for generations to come.
“Thanks to National Lottery players our funding will support the first stage of the restoration of the De La Warr Pavillion. It will shine a light on its architectural and social history, securing its place as a vibrant creative hub to build pride in place and make sure heritage is cared for and sustained for everyone now and in the future.”
Stewart Drew, CEO and Director of the De La Warr Pavilion, said:
“This award is a transformational moment for the Pavilion and for Bexhill. The Pavilion has always been more than a building. It was created as a bold symbol of progress, a space where architecture, culture and community come together. This project is about protecting that vision, while transforming the Pavilion to meet the challenges of the future – from sustainability to social impact. Our aim is to secure the Pavilion’s place as an iconic cultural hub for the Southeast for the next 100 years. We are profoundly grateful to National Lottery players for making this possible.”
Doug Oliver, Leader of Rother District Council, said:
“The De La Warr Pavilion is at the heart of our cultural and civic identity. This ambitious project protects a nationally important modernist icon while creating new opportunities for our residents, transforming valued heritage into a place for skills, jobs, creativity, and wellbeing. Rother District Council is proud to stand alongside our partners in ensuring the Pavilion not only honours its remarkable heritage, but also drives progress, sustainability, and prosperity for future generations.”
About the project – Phase 1 key focus areas
• Heritage conservation – Repairing roofs, windows and building fabric to safeguard the Pavilion’s Grade I-listed architecture.
• Access and inclusion – Improving accessibility, circulation and facilities for visitors, artists and staff.
• Learning and community – Creating new spaces for creative learning, skills training and community engagement.
• Sustainability – Introducing low-carbon heating infrastructure, renewable energy systems and water efficiency measures to support Net Zero targets.
• Organisational resilience – Strengthening the Pavilion’s capacity to deliver world-class cultural and learning programmes sustainably.
• Creativity and activity – Working with communities and partners to deliver heritage focused creative programming locally.
Jay Carroll, Chair of Heart of Sidley, said:
“Heart of Sidley is thrilled to continue our partnership with the De La Warr Pavilion through this The National Lottery Heritage Fund support. The funding will help us bring creative and heritage focused opportunities directly to our community and ensure local voices play an important part in the future of the Pavilion.”
Next steps
Some advance works will begin in 2026; however, the De La Warr Pavilion will still present a full programme of exhibitions and events throughout the year. Details of a starting date for the main building works are still to be confirmed but DLWP intends to remain partially open throughout the construction period to engage visitors and support local businesses. The completion of extensive works in Phase 1 will pave the way for the full £51.9 million masterplan (DLWP is seeking further funding to complete phases 2 & 3), ensuring that the Pavilion can thrive as an international cultural landmark and community anchor for the next 100 years.
The De La Warr Pavilion is proud to announce the unveiling of a special logo to mark its 90th anniversary in 2025, created by internationally acclaimed designer Tom Geismar, celebrated for his pioneering work in the field of graphic design.
The commission has a special connection to the Pavilion’s history: Tom Geismar was creative partner of Ivan Chermayeff, the son of Serge Chermayeff, who, together with Erich Mendelsohn, designed the modernist De La Warr Pavilion in 1935. This link between past and present makes the new anniversary logo especially meaningful as the Pavilion approaches its centenary with plans for physical and organisational transformation underway.
Born in 1932, the same year the Pavilion competition was announced, Ivan Chermayeff later created the logo for its 80th anniversary. He passed away in 2017, but his work continues to inspire designers around the world. His long-time collaborator, Tom Geismar, also born in the 1930s and a pioneering force on Madison Avenue in the 1950s and ’60s, remains a remarkable presence in the design industry. Now 94, Tom is still practising in New York, a living testament to a lifetime of creativity, innovation, and dedication to his craft. Together they created identities for many high-level American cultural institutions; MOMA, The Smithsonian, National Geographic, NBC, The Library Congress and many more.
Geismar’s sleek and streamlined design captures the Pavilion’s modernist spirit while offering a fresh, contemporary emblem for its next chapter. The anniversary logo will feature prominently across the Pavilion’s celebratory programme and products.
“It was a pleasure to do this for the De La Warr Pavilion. The Chermayeff family have been so influential in my life and the pavilion in its physical manifestation reflects to me the bold, clear and creative design approach of Serge, Ivan and Peter. A remarkable family.”
– Tom Geismar, Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv
The unveiling of the logo marks the beginning of a year-long celebration that will bring together audiences, artists, and communities to reflect on and celebrate 90 years of innovation, architecture, and culture at the De La Warr Pavilion.
For more information about the Pavilion’s programme, visit What’s On.
For more information about Tom Geismar visit cghnyc.com.
At De La Warr Pavilion, we believe creativity belongs not just in our exhibitions and performances, but in our workplaces and communities. That’s why we launched Talent Accelerator, helping connect young people with the skills, opportunities, and confidence to build creative careers. Here Kim Byford, our Head of Skills, shares some of the ways we are doing this.
Photo by Matthew Harmer
Young Promoters saw local young people learn first-hand how to stage live events from booking artists and marketing shows to running them on the night. For one participant, it was a turning point showing them future possibilities.
“I never thought I’d be able to organise something like this. Being part of the Young Promoters gave me confidence and made me realise I want to work in music production.”
We’ve seen the impact of Artswork Breakthrough, which supports young people facing barriers to education or employment. Maddie joined us through this programme and has since blossomed into an emerging leader as our Creative Opportunities Producer (Skills).
Behind these individual journeys is a bigger picture.
DLWP sits on the Local Skills Improvement Board and Skills East Sussex, where we co-chair the Creative, Cultural, Digital, and Media Task Force. This means we can make sure the needs of the creative industries – and opportunities for young people – are front and centre in the skills agenda. We’re also proud to be an East Sussex Careers Hub Cornerstone Employer, working with schools to bring real-world career experiences into classrooms.
And we’re not stopping at county borders. Through Coastal Catalyst, we’re linking up with partners across Sussex to build a joined-up approach to skills, culture, and opportunity along the coast. For young people, that means clearer pathways into training and jobs; for communities, it means creativity is recognised as a driver of local pride and prosperity.
Rother District Council has unanimously granted planning permission and listed building consent for the De La Warr Pavilion Masterplan, launching this major capital project to transform heritage for community, creativity & skills.
The De La Warr Pavilion, one of the UK’s most celebrated modernist icons, has today received resolution from the Council’s planning committee for planning and listed building consent to be granted for a landmark capital project that will both preserve its iconic heritage and transform it for future generations. The formal decision notices are now awaited.
This milestone follows months of consultation and detailed planning, with the project designed to protect the Pavilion’s Grade I listed status while also unlocking new opportunities for culture, learning, and community use.
The Pavilion, which marks its 90th birthday in December 2025 now looks ahead to its centenary in 2035. The ‘People’s Pavilion’ was founded on radical modernist ideals of creativity, community and social progress and this new capital project will ensure that those founding principles remain at the heart of the building’s future.
Sir Anthony Gormley OBE, internationally renowned sculptor and honorary patron: “The De La Warr Pavilion is unique. The reborn Pavilion will enable a wider experience of art in all its forms for the residents of Bexhill and many from further afield. Here is a place where art and life come together for mutual inspiration – bravo!”
The capital project is being delivered in partnership with Rother District Council. Designed in phases, by award winning architect Haworth Tomkpins, the scheme ensures the Pavilion can remain partially open throughout the conservation works. The applications were co-ordinated by planning consultants, Lichfields and propose more than a restoration project: it is about people and communities, memory and creativity, welcome and belonging. It is about expanding access, education, and opportunity in an area where they are limited, while safeguarding the Pavilion’s cultural, social, and architectural heritage for future generations.
Haworth Tompkins Director Lucy Picardo said: “The approval of the planning and listed building consent applications marks an important step forward in the journey to secure the De La Warr Pavilion’s long-term future. We look forward to continuing our close work with Rother District Council, DLWP, and the wider community as the project progresses.”
The capital works will focus on:
Heritage conservation – safeguarding the Pavilion’s Grade I-listed architecture, enhancing accessibility, improving the visitor experience, and growing and sharing its archive and unique social history.
Community engagement – expanding opportunities for local residents to be part of the story through co-created programmes, creative activities, volunteering, and archiving/storytelling projects that celebrate the Pavilion’s role in local life.
Cultural leadership – reinforcing the Pavilion’s role as a leading multi-arts and cultural centre for the South East, delivering transformative creative, participatory, and social experiences that strengthen wellbeing, creativity, and community cohesion.
Sustainability – improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting Bexhill and Rother District Council’s Net Zero targets, through renewable energy and low-carbon heating improvements.
Driving regional growth – the Pavilion contributes significantly to the local economy, supporting jobs, tourism and skills development across Sussex, and the project will further strengthen its role in driving growth and opportunity across the Southeast.
Doug Oliver, Leader of Rother District Council: “The De La Warr Pavilion is a cornerstone of our cultural and civic identity. This ambitious project protects a nationally important modernist icon while creating new opportunities for our residents, transforming valued heritage into a place for skills, jobs, creativity, and wellbeing. Rother District Council is proud to stand alongside our partners in ensuring the Pavilion not only honours its remarkable heritage, but also drives progress, sustainability, and prosperity for future generations.”
The masterplan project has secured £17m from the UK Government as part of a partnership with Heart of Sidley to conserve the Pavilion and create a new community hub in Sidley delivering impactful cultural-led regeneration for Bexhill. Other funders have pledged support including Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund (development grant), East Sussex County Council, The Chalk Cliff Trust, Foyle Foundation and life-long supporter Suzy Eddie Izzard but there is still a significant fundraising target to complete the full scheme.
Stewart Drew, CEO and Artistic Director of the De La Warr Pavilion: “The Pavilion has always been more than a building. It was created as a bold symbol of progress, a space where architecture, art and community come together. This project is about protecting that vision, while transforming the Pavilion to meet the challenges of the future – from sustainability to social impact. Our aim is to secure the Pavilion’s place as an iconic cultural hub for the South East for the next 100 years.”
Project Art Works artist Michelle Roberts has been nominated for the Sky Visual Arts Award alongside artists Barbara Walker and Claudette Johnson. The Bexhill-based artist was nominated for the award by Bob & Roberta Smith, who selected her as the winner of the Outside In open call in 2023 which resulted in her solo exhibition, Red, Blue, Up, at the De La Warr Pavilion this past spring.
One of our most visited exhibitions in recent years, our Head of Exhibitions, Joseph Constable, said “The artist’s unique style has been an inspiration to the curatorial team in presenting this project in Bexhill, and to the many visitors who engaged with her joyous and intriguing artworks over the course of its run. Working together with Outside In and Project Art Works to bring Michelle’s works to new audiences is an important part of the Pavilion’s remit to offer a significant platform to emerging and underrepresented artists. In presenting such a wide breadth of Michelle’s work, we hope that this major exhibition will lead to further opportunities for audiences to experience her playful and experimental creative vision.”
On her nomination, Michelle said “I am very happy that lots of the public will be able to see my paintings in real life, and hope they enjoy them as much as I love creating them.”
Watch the Sky Arts Awards ceremony tonight at 9pm tonight (16 September) on Sky Arts, Freeview and streaming service NOW.
