The Going Out Awards

Best Museum/Gallery - Sponsored by Brighton Bed Centre

We want to hear about the museum or art gallery that went the extra mile over the last 12 months – with the most exciting touring or self-curated exhibitions – and the places top of the list to take visitors come to call.

It could be a world class art space or a little-known backstreet gallery specialising in one-off curios.

Don’t forget the region’s old stalwarts which year after year provide a great visitor experience.

THE SHORTLIST

Towner, Eastbourne

It’s been a particularly special year for the gallery which has one of the largest collections of Eric Ravilious paintings in the world and an international-class programme of exhibitions and shows.

In 2014 Towner launched as a charitable trust, chaired by broadcaster David Dimbleby, and to celebrate the occasion it opened a new room devoted entirely to the much-loved Sussex artist Ravilious.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Exhibitions at the gallery in the Royal Pavilion Gardens have included first-person stories from Brightonians who fought in the First World War and a look at the later works by Selsey-born artist Keith Vaughan.

It continues to focus on exhibitions which inspire learning and creativity among local community groups. Curators even handed control of the programming to Portslade and West Hove residents for the gallery’s spring show, From Downs To Sea.

Anne Of Cleves House, Lewes

Henry VIII gave Anne Of Cleves the 15th-century timber-framed house in Lewes when their marriage was annulled.

The regal air remains today with period furnishing, a Tudor facade, tea room and a quaint enclosed garden.

One recent visitor summed it up best when she said, “it’s a simple, beautiful, little museum that is full of great information”.

Brighton Toy and Model Museum

Tucked away in Trafalgar Street, on the underpass beneath Brighton railway station, is a treasure trove of toys and models loved by enthusiasts and families.

There are more than 10,000 exhibits – from models of Magnus Volk’s electric railway and a giant Meccano Ferris wheel to teddy bears and toys parents remember from their youth.

With puppet shows and the start of its oral history project, Toys In The Community, the museum is now a key stop on Brighton’s tourist trail.

Fabrica, Brighton

Unwanted clothes and hundreds of sets of scales have graced the interior of the former Regency church in Duke Street over the last few years.

The exhibitions as part of Brighton Festival have helped the artist-led space cement its place as one of the city’s foremost visual arts venues.

Its full exhibition programme includes artist talks, screenings, school workshops as well as commissioning new work such as Simon Faithfull’s recent REEF project, with videos from a sunken ship-turned artificial reef beamed back to Fabrica.

AND THE WINNER IS...

Towner, Eastbourne

Towner is a well-deserved winner after a strong year which included a hugely successful summer show revealing the talent of Sussex artist Peggy Angus and the opening of a new room dedicated Eric Ravilious, another Sussex artist who loved the county so much.

Not only that the gallery become an independent charitable Trust in 2014 with broadcaster David Dimbleby as its chairman.

Towner executive director Emma Morris says, “We are delighted to have won this year’s Best Museum Or Gallery award and would like to thank The Argus readers for voting for us.

“The award marks a momentous year for Towner.

“We have worked with more community groups than ever before and introduced new projects such as Tiny Towner for under-5s and ArtBreak to ensure children and young people with disabilities have equal access to all our activities.”

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