Press Releases week beginning 21 January 2019

Dangerous vandalism in Hastings Country Park

A recent spate of vandalism at Hastings Country Park is potentially putting lives at risk. Emergency signs on wooden bollards around the park have been deliberately removed and signs vandalised. 

The signs, located throughout the park, are designed to help people contact the emergency services if they have an accident. Each bollard has a unique number which allows the emergency services to locate the emergency quickly and efficiently, potentially savings lives. The rangers are finding the vandalised signs when they patrol the park.

Councillor Colin Fitzgerald, Lead Member for Environment and Equalities and Chair of the Hastings Country Park Management Forum said, 'This is mindless vandalism which could potentially put someone's life at risk. There have been a number of incidents over the years where people have either been lost, been taken ill or fallen and broken bones. Our numbered bollard system has meant the emergency services have always been able to locate people quickly. I cannot believe someone would be so stupid as to deliberately jeopardise people's safety by deliberately removing these signs. It will cost at least £1000 to replace them.'

Councillor Fitzgerald further added, 'This is criminal damage and has been reported to the police. I am asking all members of the public who use Hastings Country Park to be vigilant. If you see someone vandalising our signs please report it to the police."

Museum's Japanese collection gets national boost

Hastings Museum and Art gallery has just received a national boost as its extensive Japanese collection was highlighted on an interactive map published by the Department for Culture, Media & Science. This coincided with a visit to the country by the Japanese prime minister Abe Shinzo.

Cllr Kim Forward, deputy leader of Hastings Borough Council, explained,

"We have a fantastic collection of Japanese artefacts here, all of which are part of the Brassey collection. Lord and Lady Brassey, who lived in Hastings and donated their collection to the town, were among the very first westerners to visit Japan when it opened up in the 19th century, travelling on their private yacht, The Sunbeam.

"Our collection includes a full set of samurai armour, a saddle and matching stirrups of wood, a 17th century Su-yari (a spear), an early 17th century Wakizashi (short sword), and a late 16th century Katana (long sword).

"We also have a selection of netsuke (decorative toggles), dolls, mirrors and decorative lacquer boxes on display in the Upper Durbar Hall. The museum has a large collection of Japanese prints, with two examples are on display at the moment.

"I am really pleased that the museum's collection has been highlighted like this :- it has so much of interest to see, of local, national, and international significance."

Entrance to Hastings Museum and Art Gallery is free.

TOM HUNTER / A JOURNEY HOME

Curated by Lucy Bell & David Rhodes

Hastings Museum and Art Gallery / 9 February - 2 June 2019

Hastings is a coastal town that has many historical layers - forged by the flow of people, the traces of which are evident in its townscapes, landscapes and cultures. To construct a contemporary photographic document of this region, internationally renowned artist Tom Hunter has collaborated with drivers from local taxi firm 247247, whilst referencing the collection of Hastings Museum and Art Gallery.

The taxi drivers, who represent the diverse community of Hastings, were invited by Hunter to choose their favourite locations in the area, to be photographed at either dusk or dawn during the periods known as the 'golden hour' and the 'blue hour'. In this way, Hunter pays tribute to Turner and the many other artists that have worked here, inspired by the natural landscape and incredible light conditions. 

Kim Forward, deputy leader of Hastings Borough Council said,

"This is a fantastic opportunity to bring an artist with an international reputation to the museum, which has only been made possible by the generous support of our funders, especially Arts Council England and Scott Mead. It also wouldn't have been possible without the enthusiastic response from 247247 Taxis, whose drivers so generously shared their thoughts, stories and special places."

Tom Hunter takes inspiration from art historical works when creating his photographs, and he used the museum's own collection for this new commission. The museum's oil paintings can be viewed on the Art UK website, and some will be included in the exhibition, along with other relevant material from the museum's collections on an interactive gallery touchscreen.

Entrance to the museum and all exhibitions is free.

Supported by Arts Council England, Scott Mead, Metro Imaging, Hastings Borough Council, 247247 Taxis, Chalk Cliff Trust, Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, Lucy Bell Gallery