Work of prolific printmaker goes on display

An exhibition of the works of a prolific printmaker is set to open at an East Sussex gallery.

Robert Tavener Shape Pattern Colour: The Art of Printmaking opens at Towner Eastbourne on Thursday.

The exhibition brings together a range of lithographs, linocuts and illustrations spanning the career of the artist who lived in the Sussex seaside town as well as in Kent.

A Towner spokesperson said Tavener’s work was “varied, bold and colourful”.

Robert Tavener (1920-2004) was inspired by his surroundings in London and Kent where he lived and worked in his early career, and the Sussex coast and South Downs following his move to Eastbourne in 1953.

Eastbourne was a place he loved and where he lived for the rest of his life. a gallery spokesperson said.

Tavener was appointed head of printmaking at Eastbourne College of Art.

He produced illustrations for children’s books and completed commissions for London Transport, Shell, the BBC, and the Radio Times.

In 1958 he was invited to illustrate the diary for the Kynoch Press, following in the footsteps of fellow Eastbourne artist Eric Ravilious.

A Towner spokesperson said Tavener’s work was “always a personal interpretation of the richness and beauty of the landscape and architecture through shape, pattern, texture and design”.

The exhibition runs until 3 November.