De La Warr Pavilion and Bandstand
The Pavilion is an International Style building constructed in 1935 and considered by some to be in an Art Deco style. Some claim it to be the first major Modernist public building in Britain, although it was actually preceded by some months by the Dutch-influenced Hornsey Town Hall. It is located on the sea front in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex.
It was the result of an architectural competition initiated by Herbrand Sackville, 9th Earl De La Warr, after whom the building was named. A committed socialist and Mayor of Bexhill, he persuaded the town council to develop the site as a public building. The competition for the design attracted more than 230 entrants and the winners, Eric Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff, were leading figures in the Modern Movement.
The aesthetics employed in the International Style proved especially suited to the building, tending towards streamlined, industrially-influenced designs, often with expansive metal-framed windows, and eschewing traditional brick and stonework in favour of concrete and steel construction. Amongst the building's most innovative features was its use of a welded steel frame construction, pioneered by structural engineer Felix Samuely. Construction began in January 1935 and the building was opened on 12 December of the same year by the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth).
During WWII, the Pavilion was used by the military and amongst those who served there was noted comedian Gunner Spike Milligan.
In 1986 the Pavilion was granted Grade I listed Building status and in 1989 the Pavilion Trust was formed to protect and restore the building. In 2005, after an restoration and regeneration programme, the Pavilion reopened as a contemporary arts centre.
In 1998, the Pavilion Trust launched an appeal to replace the Pavilion's aging bandstand. After an RIBA competitive interview process, the contract to design the bandstand was given to award-winning architect Niall McLaughlin. The Bandstand's shell-like canopy is engineered to provide near perfect acoustics and at the same time mirror its seafront location.
The simple white finish and ultra modern steel, plywood & fibreglass construction of the bandstand, are a perfectly complement to the modernist aesthetics and innovative construction techniques of the De La Warr Pavilion. The bandstand itself is movable, allowing it to be relocated to different areas of the terrace according to the season, or in order to accommodate the varying needs of performances. The Bandstand was officially unveiled on 8 December 2001.
Beyond the Bandstand, in Marina Court Avenue can be seen a terrace of Grade II listed Edwardian "Moghul" inspired houses, taking its architectural influence from the Indian Raj style.
De La Warr Pavilion and Bandstand
The Pavilion is an International Style building constructed in 1935 and considered by some to be in an Art Deco style. Some claim it to be the first major Modernist public building in Britain, although it was actually preceded by some months by the Dutch-influenced Hornsey Town Hall. It is located on the sea front in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex.
It was the result of an architectural competition initiated by Herbrand Sackville, 9th Earl De La Warr, after whom the building was named. A committed socialist and Mayor of Bexhill, he persuaded the town council to develop the site as a public building. The competition for the design attracted more than 230 entrants and the winners, Eric Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff, were leading figures in the Modern Movement.
The aesthetics employed in the International Style proved especially suited to the building, tending towards streamlined, industrially-influenced designs, often with expansive metal-framed windows, and eschewing traditional brick and stonework in favour of concrete and steel construction. Amongst the building's most innovative features was its use of a welded steel frame construction, pioneered by structural engineer Felix Samuely. Construction began in January 1935 and the building was opened on 12 December of the same year by the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth).
During WWII, the Pavilion was used by the military and amongst those who served there was noted comedian Gunner Spike Milligan.
In 1986 the Pavilion was granted Grade I listed Building status and in 1989 the Pavilion Trust was formed to protect and restore the building. In 2005, after an restoration and regeneration programme, the Pavilion reopened as a contemporary arts centre.
In 1998, the Pavilion Trust launched an appeal to replace the Pavilion's aging bandstand. After an RIBA competitive interview process, the contract to design the bandstand was given to award-winning architect Niall McLaughlin. The Bandstand's shell-like canopy is engineered to provide near perfect acoustics and at the same time mirror its seafront location.
The simple white finish and ultra modern steel, plywood & fibreglass construction of the bandstand, are a perfectly complement to the modernist aesthetics and innovative construction techniques of the De La Warr Pavilion. The bandstand itself is movable, allowing it to be relocated to different areas of the terrace according to the season, or in order to accommodate the varying needs of performances. The Bandstand was officially unveiled on 8 December 2001.
Beyond the Bandstand, in Marina Court Avenue can be seen a terrace of Grade II listed Edwardian "Moghul" inspired houses, taking its architectural influence from the Indian Raj style.