De La Warr - I'm so in awe . . .

The De La Warr Pavilion in the 1930s

The first time I came across the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill, was in 1967 at the RIBA Library when I was working on some picture research. It was heartbreaking to see how, in the three decades since it had opened, this once beautiful Modernist building had fallen from grace. It languished, empty and unloved, in a prime location on the Sussex coast. It wasn't alone. The same fate had befallen many similar buildings of the period.

Thanks, however, to the continuing efforts of the De La Warr Pavilion Trust (launched 20 years ago), the pavilion has been superbly restored. It reopened in 2005 and is now atttracting vistors from around the world. Interesting to compare costs: to design and build the pavilion in 1935, £80,000; to restore 70 years later, £8 million . . . a lesson, surely, in why it makes economic sense to look after well-designed buildings. It takes a long time and huge efforts to raise that sort of money. And, after all, who wants to look at an eyesore?

The original building had been commissioned by Bexhill's first socialist mayor, the visionary ninth Earl De La Warr, and was designed by Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff. Even the chairs had an impeccable pedigree; they were designed by Alvar Aalto. (History of the building here.)

So, having waited half a lifetime to see the De La Warr Pavilion, did it live up to expectations? Absolutely. The interior details are as superb as the exterior:

And to see it on a glorious summer day was a bonus. The pavilion houses an exhibition space, which is highlighting the work of Joseph Beuys at present. I'm afraid we didn't spend long with Beuys but headed for the cafe instead, opting for tea and cake - and sea views - out on the first floor balcony. You can see why.

If you are visiting the South Coast, do not miss this marvellous building. Whether you are standing outside looking in or inside looking out, it's a building guaranteed to uplift your spirits and, just possibly, will make your heart skip a beat or two. It's that good.

 

(More on how the arts and architecture are regenerating our coastal towns in Rachel Cooke's feature for the Observer last Sunday.

Comments

[Monica]

Always a pleasure to visit your blog. Loved reading about this building. Wish I knew you in "real life".

[colleen]

It's fab. isn't it!

[60 Going On 16]

Thank you Monica - not sure where you are but you never know, our terrestrial paths might cross one day. Until then, cyberpaths will have to do.

Fab is definitely the word Colleen. Am still seeing that building in my mind's eye . . .

[Jay]

This is the second time I've read about this building and it does look beautiful! I just said to OH that we were going to have to take a trip down to the south coast! It looks such a beautiful place - that last picture is stunning!

Thanks for that!

[Moira]

Totally fab! We visited a couple of years ago on a sunny day in September.

Have been following your blog for a few weeks now and was beginning to feel bad mannered for not introducing myself!

[60 Going On 16]

Jay - you absolutely must go, you'll love it.

Moira - consider yourself duly introduced and very welcome.