Opened in 2012 Hastings Contemporary, previously named The Jerwood Gallery, is the home of the Jerwood Foundation’s collection of modern British paintings and drawings, and a curated exhibitions programme of contemporary art across disciplines. It is sited on the Stade, a seafront area at the foot of the Old Town facing the fishing beach.
Nestling among the unique listed ‘net shops’ of the fishing beach, it is carefully composed in dialogue with its context, whether viewed from the street or from the cliffs that overlook the roofscape. The temporary exhibition space is a raw, flexible space, with exposed concrete tempered by slatted timber roof lanterns. The building is an environmental exemplar, using ground source cooling to avoid air conditioning while meeting strict conservation controls.
The gallery has been widely published and won an RIBA National Award and Civic Trust Award. It was included in the Observer’s top buildings of 2012.
