Modernism now: Architecture, Culture and Community. The De La Warr Pavilion stands as one of Britain’s most significant modernist landmarks, conceived in 1935 as a democratic space for culture, leisure and community. Our programme of talks explores how the ideals of modernism can be reimagined for the twenty-first century. Born from a belief that architecture, art and design could create a more open, equitable and optimistic society, modernism was never just about buildings; it was about improving everyday life.
As the Pavilion embarks on its next chapter, this talks programme asks what modernism means today. How can a building once celebrated as a monument to progress become a catalyst for connection, creativity and belonging? Through conversations with architects, artists, designers and community leaders, Modernism now: Architecture, Culture and Community examines how the enduring values of modernism can help shape more inclusive, resilient and vibrant places for the future. By embodying both the vision of its founders and the values of the town around it, the De La Warr Pavilion offers a model for how twentieth-century modernism can evolve to inspire openness, creativity, and civic imagination.
TALKS SCHEDULE
11am – Introduction: The People’s Palace Ideal
Stewart Drew, Director and CEO of the De La Warr Pavilion Charitable Trust, introduces us to the history & philosophy of 1930s Britain, which led to the Pavilion’s conception and how the ethos of a democratic space for leisure and culture shaped the Pavilion’s design.
11.20am – Modernism on Sea
Kathryn Ferry, Seaside Historian and Author, discusses architects, culture and social change, and the influence and legacy of 20th-century civic architecture designed for community enrichment.
Kathryn will be signing copies of her book, Twentieth Century Seaside Architecture at 1pm in the main foyer.
12pm – How ideas spread – international modernism through personal relationships
A short screening of a pre-recorded talk, from Ray Neutra – based around a photo featuring his father, Richard Neutra, Frank Lloyd Wright and DLWP architect Erich Mendelsohn. (10mins)
12.10pm – Saving the De La Warr Pavilion
Architect Patrick Theis, tells the story of how a group of people led by Jill Theis recognised the importance of the building and fought for a Grade 1 listing and the eventual renovation in the early 2000’s.
12.35 pm – Questions & discussion
1pm LUNCH BREAK
Food is not included in the ticket price, but you can enjoy lunch in our Café Bar. Or, pre-order a lunch box to take on the beach. Pre-order your lunch box by adding one to your basket during checkout.
2.30pm – What modernism means in a post-modern world
Ab Rogers, founder of Ab Rogers Design, discusses the influence of Modernism and international style on architecture and how we live our lives today.
Ab will be signing copies of his book, Richard Rogers Talking Buildings at 4.30pm in the main foyer.
3.15pm – The De La Warr Pavilion – From Modernism to a Resilient Future
A presentation delivered by Hannah Constantine from Haworth Tompkins and James Stevenson from Price and Myers on the upcoming renovation of the De La Warr Pavilion. Addressing the challenge of balancing preservation with renewal, protecting the spirit of the Pavilion while adapting the function of the building for future generations, and supporting the organisation to thrive as a living cultural hub.
4pm – Questions & discussion
4.30pm Event ends
This event is part of Being Modern: Bexhill. Join us for a day of workshops, lectures and conversation, as we chart a course through the history of the De La Warr Pavilion, from its modernist conception through to its place as part of the community and townscape of future Bexhill.
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Stewart Drew is the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the De La Warr Pavilion Charitable Trust. With over 30 years of experience in cultural organisations, including roles at the Museum of London, he has guided the iconic modernist venue through extensive recovery programming, major building restorations, and essential technical upgrades. He serves on the board for the Brighton Dome and Create Music Education Hub. He also acts as a board member for Culture East Sussex to boost the region’s creative and economic development.
Kathryn Ferry is a historian and author who loves to be beside the sea. She specialises in nineteenth and twentieth-century architecture and design, with a focus on seaside culture.
Whilst writing her PhD at Cambridge University on Victorian architect and designer Owen Jones, Kathryn visited Herne Bay in Kent and fell in love with beach huts. Since that time, she has established herself as a national expert on everything seaside related.
Kathryn is passionate about sharing her research and does this through talks, television, podcasts, magazine articles and social media.
She is Chair of the Seaside Heritage Network, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and Chair of The Victorian Society Publications Committee.
Dr. Raymond Neutra is the youngest son of Richard Neutra, a pioneering Austrian-American modernist architect, who worked alongside Mendlesohn in the 1920’s and Chermayeff in the 1930’s. Dr Raymond Neutra, had a career in public health, environmental medicine and epidemiology at several universities and the California Department of Public Health. However, he has been drawn back to the legacy of his father and brother. He has been active in the preservation of the Neutra VDL Studio and Residences and several other Neutra projects. He is an “ambassador” for the Iconic House Network and has written scholarly articles on his father’s career. In addition to preservation, he endorses the Neutra commitment to socially and ecologically responsible design inspired by evidence.
Patrick Theis is a Director of Theis + Khan Architects, the award-winning practice he co-founded with Soraya Khan in 1995. A graduate of the Royal College of Art, he previously worked with John Miller + Partners, leading a number of acclaimed projects including the RIBA Award-winning School of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy at the University of East Anglia. Patrick has served on the Stirling Prize longlist jury and lectured for the RIBA. He is also the son of Jill Theis MBE, who founded the Pavilion Trust and led the campaign to restore the De La Warr Pavilion, in the 1990’s, securing its future as one of Britain’s most important modernist landmarks.
Ab Rogers is a London-based designer and founder of Ab Rogers Design (ARD), established in 2004. The studio is internationally recognised for creating imaginative, experiential spaces that combine colour, narrative and functionality across a wide range of interior and architectural projects
Originally trained as a cabinet maker and later earning a Master’s degree from the Royal College of Art, Ab has spent over two decades exploring innovative approaches to interiors, transforming overlooked spaces through dynamic, flexible and human-centred design. His previous practice, Kitchen Rogers Design, delivered award-winning projects including the Comme des Garçons store in Paris, the Al-Ostoura luxury department store in Kuwait City, and the Michel Guillon flagship store in London. A passionate educator, Ab served as Head of Programme for Interior Design at the Royal College of Art from 2012–2015 and has taught at leading design institutions internationally.
Hannah is an Associate Director at Architects Haworth Tompkins and is leading on the De La Warr Pavilion Capital Building Project. She joined Haworth Tompkins in 2019 and has been actively involved in the studio’s education projects. Haworth Tompkins has recently been shortlisted for Sterling Prize ’26. Prior to joining, she worked on a number of higher education projects at David Kohn Architects and was also an Associate at Alison Brooks Architects. Hannah studied Architecture at Newcastle University and the Glasgow School of Art, where she was awarded the 4th Year Portfolio Prize and Sheppard Robson Sustainability Award. She completed her Part III at Westminster University where she graduated with Distinction. In 2018 Hannah was awarded the RIBAJ Rising Star and in 2020 completed her MSc at Kings College London studying Construction Law and Dispute Resolution, which she passed with merit. She is also involved at Westminster University where she is a visiting tutor and examiner for their Part III course.
James Stevenson is a Structural Engineer at Price & Myers, working on the De La Warr Pavilion Capital Building Project. James has extensive experience delivering complex new-build, heritage, and cultural projects. His portfolio includes work at the British Library, Royal College of Art, Cambridge colleges, Beverley Minster, Leicester Cathedral, and Salford Cathedral, with a particular expertise in the adaptation and conservation of historic buildings. A recognised specialist in stone structures, James is leading research into innovative, low-carbon applications of structural stone to reduce embodied carbon in construction. He is passionate about early interdisciplinary collaboration, working closely with architects, craftspeople, and contractors to develop creative, technically rigorous design solutions. Drawing inspiration from his background as a musician, James believes the best engineering, like the best performances, is built on precision, creativity, and collaboration.
BOOKING INFORMATION
Talks Programme
£25, £10 concession for Students
SPECIAL OFFER
Talks Programme and exclusive ‘Behind the Scenes’ Architecture Tour Bundle (Both events need to be added to the basket for the discount to be applied)
£45, £20 concession for Students (Includes £5 discount on the ‘Behind the Scenes’ Tour)
LUNCH BOXES
Lunch Box – £16
Hastings Smoked Salmon and Leek tart
Potato salad
Half scotch egg
Piccalilli
Vegetarian Lunch Box – £16
Caramelised red onion and cheddar tart
Potato Salad
Veggie half scotch egg
Piccalilli
Please contact the box office for Vegan options – boxoffice@dlwp.com
Lunch Boxes are only available to pre-order. Our Café Bar will also be open on the day serving walk-in customers and offering a lunch and specials menu. Book your Lunch Box at check out.