De La Warr Pavilion facts for kids
The De La Warr Pavilion is a special building right on the seafront in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, England. It's known for its unique, modern design.
This building was designed by architects Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff. It was built in 1935. It's a great example of a style called "Modernist" or "International Style" architecture.
In 2005, after a big makeover, the De La Warr Pavilion reopened. Now, it's a busy arts centre. It has one of the biggest art galleries on the south coast of England.
Sadly, on February 18, 2022, a bandstand that was added later was destroyed. Strong winds from Storm Eunice caused the damage.
Contents
History of the Pavilion
The idea for this new building came from Herbrand Sackville, 9th Earl De La Warr. The building was even named after him!
The Earl was the Mayor of Bexhill. He wanted to create a public building for everyone to enjoy. He convinced the Bexhill council to hold a competition to design it. This competition was announced in February 1934.
The plans for the building included a large entertainment hall for at least 1,500 people. It also needed a restaurant, a reading room, and a lounge. The budget for the project started at £50,000 but later increased to £80,000. Over 230 architects entered the competition. Many of them used the new Modernist style.
The winning architects were Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff. They were very important in the Modern Movement in architecture. Their style used smooth, industrial-looking designs. They often included large windows with metal frames. Instead of traditional brick or stone, they used concrete and steel.
One very new idea in the building was its welded steel frame. This was a new way to build structures, pioneered by engineer Felix Samuely. Construction of the De La Warr Pavilion started in January 1935. The building officially opened on December 12, 1935. The Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, opened it.
The Pavilion During World War II
During World War II, the military used the De La Warr Pavilion. Bexhill and the Sussex area were at risk if the Germans tried to invade. A famous comedian named Spike Milligan served at the pavilion during the war. The building had only minor damage. This happened when the hotel next to it was destroyed by German bombers.
After the war, the local council took over managing the pavilion. In the 1970s and 1980s, some changes were made to the building. Many of these changes didn't match its original design. Also, there wasn't enough money to keep the building in good shape. It was even used for indoor car boot sales, and its original signs disappeared.
Restoration and Reopening
In 1986, the De La Warr Pavilion was given "Grade I listed building" status. This meant it was protected from any more unsuitable changes. In 1989, a group called the Pavilion Trust was formed. They wanted to protect and restore the building.
A playwright named David Hare suggested it become an art gallery. In 2002, the pavilion received £6 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council of England. This money was for restoring the building and turning it into a modern arts centre.
Work began in 2004. The building's ownership was transferred to a charitable trust. On October 15, 2005, after 18 months of hard work, the De La Warr Pavilion officially reopened. It is now a contemporary arts centre. It has one of the largest galleries on the south coast of England.
Some old documents about the De La Warr Pavilion are kept at Columbia University in New York City. They are part of the Serge Chermayeff Papers.
Images for kids
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The bandstand, which was destroyed by Storm Eunice in 2022.
See also
In Spanish: Pabellón De La Warr para niños
- Saltdean Lido
- Embassy Court
