John exhibits 25 photographs of the Hastings Fishing sheds using unusual angles and emphasising the wooden textures of the sheds. There are 10 prints of each photograph for sale (one framed and nine unframed). John’s artisitic statement is posted on the members’ gallery.

Statement about the Net Huts.

The prominent net huts on the beach in Hastings Old Town are made of clinker weather boarding and stand an average of 25 feet high. These unique wooden buildings were originally used as workshops and storage for nets, sails and ropes.

In 1934, the Borough council restricted the area allowed for each net hut to eight square feet because of the limited space between the cliffs and the sea. To overcome the problem the fishermen built their equipment stores upwards to maximise the allowed space and constructed three stories, one above the other.

About 45 of these unique structures can still be seen today and they are considered one of Hastings most famous and internationally known landmarks. Many more were originally built but have been destroyed by strong seas during the past 150 years. The Council also demolished a number during the 1950s to clear the beach area for development.

With the advent of nylon nets there was less need for workshops and the buildings’ main use became storage. The remaining net huts are still used for this purpose today and are regularly maintained to withstand the elements.

Private view – Friday, 22 Jan at 6.30.