space: jerwood, hastings

we adore the idea that high culture is no longer reserved for cloistered capitals and clustered cities. national galleries are beginning to lift their heads above the parapet of the constant tourist trade offered in london and are now beginning to open branches nation wide. so when we read that the jerwood was openng a branch in hastings we got rather excited.

'the place smells of just-landed fish sold in little shops, or the fried and battered sort in some fine fish-and-chip restaurants. Ice cream and rock vendors are inserted into odd slivers of space...the building doesn't try to dominate, overwhelm or out-dazzle its surroundings, but nor does it patronise them.' - rowan moore for the observer newspaper.

the building was designed by hana loftus and tom grieve of hat projects and the permanent collection includes people like nicholson, brangwyn, sickert and others. it's funding is quite incredible too as the jerwood foundation - as a privately funded charity - stumped up £4m and the land it's built on was donated by the local council (an old coach park). definitely another reason why we do love to be by the seaside.

imagery courtesy of guardian.co.uk

jerwoodgallery.org/