Photograph by Eric de Maré, 1956
March 2012
The imposing black
fishermen’s huts at the Stade, in Hastings, have always been worth a visit. See this gorgeous photograph by Eric de Maré. The
controversial new Jerwood Gallery creates another reason. Some local opposition
revolves around its location but the ‘No to Jerwood’ posters won’t be bad for
business. A large window on the first floor of the gallery looks out onto one
such poster stuck on the side of a van. I love the bright orange sculpture by
Benedict Carpenter in the courtyard as you walk in; a homage to all those
fishermen still working from the beaches behind.
The opening show is by
Rose Wylie who is an inspiring 77 year old who paints like a 9 year old (hard
to achieve) stuffed full of opinions about modern culture. I love the naivety of
her work which contrasts with the sophisticated paintings of the recent past
upstairs. The blue jug by William Scott is pure bliss. Read about her recent rise and worldwide acclaim and ponder that it may not be too late for us all.
On to George Street, in Hastings Old Town,
where the fabulous Butlers Emporium is a must visit. Rose, the owner has
created an eclectic store, which is hard to leave without buying something. I
came out with a small clutch bag by Salt. You’ll find chunky candles in solid
green glass, jewellery and hand made tableware. My friend Gina stocks her
Folk@home range here. Her tea towels and chopping boards are top of my list. The
shop was once the old post office and was saved from becoming another bland
conversion by Rose. The back of the shop has the exposed rock face of the hill
behind. Wonderful!
71 George Street
The next stop is Hendy’s Home Store.
Alastair Hendy is a chef, photographer, stylist and writer of many stylish cookbooks.
Unusually, he was in the shop when I visited mid-week (his main base is still
London) and he showed me pictures of his reverse renovation. He’s spent a long
time stripping this shop back to create a step back in time feel. He is a
perfectionist and it shows in the way everything is displayed. These aren’t
precious objects; we’re talking brooms, scissors, glass bottles, jugs and cutlery.
He’s soon to open his small restaurant at the back of the shop where he has a
black beach hut, accessed by an alleyway at the side. At the weekends he’ll be
creating tasty dishes from local Hastings fare. Try and get in early while the
master is at the helm, there’s sure to be a waiting list.
36 High Street
If you don’t know Hastings, you may pass
the institution that is Judges bakery. The owner, Jo Fairley, is a phenomenon.
She started Green and Blacks chocolate, with husband Craig Sams, is a
successful beauty journalist, has co-written the Beauty Bible books (featured
in our magazine Expert Beauty) and is the most passionate promoter of all
things organic. Stocked up with delicious bread, cakes and jars of Whole Earth
peanut butter, I waddled off out of Hastings, happy in the knowledge that I'll be back very soon.
51 High Street
