Reflections of Hastings Pier

Hastings was devastated when the pier was destroyed by fire in October 2010. But, with a lot of support from various organisations and members of the local community, and a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, ‘The People’s Pier’ is undergoing extensive restoration, and looks forward to an exciting future following its reopening early next year.

Wanting to breathe new life into some of the structural materials removed from the old pier which would otherwise have been lost forever, designer Alison Purdy has created a unique range of decorative mirrors using wood and metal salvaged from the pier. Each one has been individually designed to reflect the imagery, atmosphere and history of the pier, from crumbling Victorian ironwork and evocative 1930s lighting to the modern post-fire refurbishments.

The mirrors will be on display at the Pier Hub on the White Rock promenade for the ‘Reflections of Hastings Pier’ exhibition, which is also part of the Coastal Currents Arts Festival programme. All mirrors are for sale with a percentage being donated to Hastings Pier Charity. The exhibition opens on August 29 with a ‘meet the artist’ session from 2-4pm, and is open every Wednesday and Thursday 1-4pm, and Fridays and Saturdays 11am-4pm until September 26. In addition it will be open on Sundays for the two Coastal Currents Open Studio weekends – September 6 and 13. Hastings Pier Charity will be running some craft workshops in conjunction with the exhibition. Please see their website www.hpcharity.co.uk for details.