Hastings Contemporary (originally named the Jerwood Gallery) opened in 2012 to house 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.
Our design won praise for its sensitive handling of form, the quality and intimacy of the internal gallery spaces, and its signature hand-glazed ceramic cladding which reflects and refracts the seaside light. 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 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.