Home What’s On Exhibitions Ancient Landscape, Modern Times: Eric Ravilious and the Artists of the Chalk Downs
Painting showing a white chalk horse on a green hillside, with the sea in the distance

Ancient Landscape, Modern Times: Eric Ravilious and the Artists of the Chalk Downs

3 October 2026 – 10 January 2027
  • Included in general admission tickets
  • Suitable for all ages
  • Wheelchair accessible

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Ancient Landscape, Modern Times (3 October 2026 – 10 January 2027), an exhibition bringing together works by Eric Ravilious, William Nicholson, Paul Nash, John Nash, Tirzah Garwood, Peggy Angus and other British artists from the 1910s to the 1940s.

The exhibition has been developed by writer and curator James Russell, widely recognised as the leading authority on Eric Ravilious and his circle.

Through paintings, drawings, prints and archival material, the exhibition reveals how the stark, rolling forms of the South Downs and related chalk landscapes inspired a generation of artists seeking to reinvent landscape painting for the modern age, amidst growing political tensions and as Europe moved towards global conflict.

Across the exhibition, the chalklands emerge not simply as picturesque scenery but as places where artists negotiated questions of history, identity and belonging, revealing how ancient landscapes could speak powerfully to modern times.

“I am so excited by ‘Ancient Landscape, Modern Times’ which will bring together some of the most beautiful and compelling images of modern British art and consider them within the very particular contexts of the times in which they were made, a period of modernisation and of political drama.”

Chris Stephens, Director

Supporters

  • Painting showing a white chalk horse on a green hillside, with the sea in the distance
    Eric Ravilious, ‘The Westbury Horse’, 1939. On long loan to the Towner Collection. Image Towner Eastbourne.
  • Painting of a coastal scene with farm buildings on top of a hill, with the sea visible behind, and clear blue skies above
    William Nicholson, Judd’s Farm, 1912, Oil on panel. Towner Collection. Image credit Towner Eastbourne
  • Image of rolling hills leading to white cliffs, with a lighthouse shining through grey skies and sea
    Eric Ravilious, Beachy Head, 1939, Watercolour and pencil on paper. Towner Collection. Image credit Towner Eastbourne
  • Landscape scene in pale greens and yellows, showing farm buildings with a pond in front
    Eric Ravilious, Pond at Birling Manor Farm (East Dean), 1925, Watercolour and pencil on paper. Towner Collection. Image credit Towner Eastbourne

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