Text by Clifton Bertram
The iconic De La Warr Pavilion was commissioned in 1935 by Herbrand Sackville, the socialist 9th Earl De La Warr and then-mayor of Bexhill, and designed by Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff. The intent of the structure was to provide the residents of Bexhill and area with accessible culture and relaxation, demonstrating the progressive social consciousness that underlies so much of the modern movement. It was the first public building in the U.K. built in the Modernist Style, and is considered to be a perfect expression of the International Style.
"Part of a great national movement, virtually to found a new industry - the industry of giving that relaxation, that pleasure, that culture which hitherto the gloom and dreariness of British resorts have driven our fellow countrymen to seek in foreign lands."
- The Ninth Earl De La Warr, on the occasion of the Pavilion's unveiling.
The Pavilion also adroitly illustrates the transition from Art Deco to post-Deco modernism, combining curvilinear forms and marine architecture motifs with the concrete and steel construction and spacious, airy interiors that so influenced Mies Van Der Rohe.
While critical reaction to its unveiling was largely enthusiastic, fringe groups such as the pro-Nazi Weekly Fascist denounced the use of "foreign Jews" in its construction - perhaps as much a reflection on the fact that the Jewish Mendelsohn -- the co-designer of the structure, and one of the most celebrated architects in Germany -- had recently escaped the National Socialist government by fleeing to Britain. He was shortly thereafter to migrate to Palestine.
After falling into disrepair after decades of neglect, the Pavilion was restored and re-opened in 2005, with new additions such as its award-winning bandshell, a bold yet delicate flourish with styling reminiscent of an Art Deco handerchief vase, which perfectly preserves the spirit of the Pavilion while adding new functionality.
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