exhibitions

theatrical events

regular courses and workshops

musical feasts and cabaret evenings

archived news items

The Jerwood Collection

I fully support this proposal as being possibly the best opportunity for the regeneration of Hastings ever!   
read our views

Sunday 6th June 11am - 3pm
Big sale at the Beacon

clothes; vintage Swanky Modes.
a bit of art, bric-a-brac, books, pottery, glass,a bit of furniture etc etc

Refreshments

The first fund-raiser for the new, exciting
‘A Walk of Art’

Below St Mary’s Terrace, Hastings

To hire a table: (01424 431305)

No entry for cars during sale

A Walk of Art

As no solution has yet been found to the serious problem of the quarry retaining wall and the track above, we are turning adversity into a creative challenge!

‘A Walk of Art’ is an open-air art trail that will link the historical and cultural areas of the Old Town with the splendor of Alexandra Park and shops in the town centre via the magnificent views of the West Hill. It is managed by A Walk of Art Ltd, currently in the process of becoming a Social Enterprise. It is independent of the Beacon and the St Mary’s Terrace Preservation Society, although inextricably linked; the un-adopted lane the trail passes through is the vehicular access to the Beacon, directly affects houses in the Terrace but importantly is a well used pedestrian route..

This dynamic initiative, rooted in local history will transform the pathway. It will:

• Encourage visitors to the Old Town to explore more of the town, especially inland, by providing temporary and permanent public art, thus enhancing the historic and cultural assets of Hastings.

• Become a processional route, linking the area into existing and developing cultural events.

• Reclaim the lane, un-maintained areas and features that are falling into dereliction.

• Encourage the use of the site for positive activities.

• Improve the local natural life and environment by planting indigenous plants, thereby encouraging wildlife.

• Encourage community interest by volunteering and involvement in creative projects.

• Become a viable link between the Old Town and New Town.

• Enhance the developing reputation of the area, and Hastings, as a vibrant and dynamic cultural hub, and a town regenerating itself through creative activities.

• Add to the perception and reality of regeneration within Hastings

Kimono Workshop and Installation September 2009

see slideshow..

The culmination of the Kimono Project (part of SoCo's on-going Webs and Nets) involved workshops to produce large paper kimonos intended to last only for the duration of the evening. I experimented with many versions of baking parchment which had the effect of semi opaque tracing paper (very good value, sometimes £2.50 for 50m) glue (Evo-stik Impact) and ink and markers on the surface (paper with a special surface repelled all ink). They were quick to construct to a flat form and with the exception of the all-black version, it was easy to make an impact on such a large surface (3.5 m long before being halved to fix the side seams). This is complete contrast to the textile versions which were labour heavy.... and then had to be stored!

I had much help with constructing the installation on the day; Julian Humphries with fixing the bamboo poles in the ground, Linda King for the tea lights, David Reeve and Kate Orr for the indoor installation and Dora for decorating the final garment with Deadbeat Donny illustration. The process was therefore a pleasure.

I hadn't known, couldn't tell, what the effect of the installation would be until it was up and lit. The weather was incredibly kind. My first worry was that they would look a bit like the final scene from the 'Life of Brian' - always look on the bright side of life etc - or possibly Klu Klux Klan, but once they were glowing in the calm dusk, then dark, they were, as someone said 'very moving'. 

About 40 people came through that evening, but many more heard about it from them. The exhibition/installation was open for 2 hours both the following days (Saturday and Sunday) without the lights in the dark. The photographs were taken by David Reeve during the set-up and Adam Piggott at the start of the evening. I wasn't expecting to dress-up..........   Nicky Joy made a short video.

I'm cutting back on projects, clearing my schedule for the time being. Partly due to the season - summer is always busy - but for other reasons including Simon waiting for an operation, my Mother at 91 being increasingly frail (although I have appreciated this time in both our lives to get to know each other), Dexter my grandson changing so quickly I don't want to miss a stage and my own feelings of being tired (post 'flu, then a fall) I'm just concentrating on keeping the Beacon afloat and organising the courses and classes that go on downstairs.

Saturday 28th November 2009,  10 - 4pm

The Universe of David Jones :  lecture/workshop at The Beacon
 
This is a day for immersion in the work of David Jones, an artist who was a contemporary of Eric Gill and Ben Nicholson.  He was also a writer whose first published book was hailed by T.S. Eliot as 'a work of genius'.  My interest in this artist with a dual identity springs from his expressed concern with representation as an illuminated experience which is simultaneously infused with the currents of traditional narrative. 

The informal lecture and discussion focuses on his visual works but also introduces In Parenthesis, while the workshop provides opportunities to formulate individual or collaborative responses to this text.  These might take the form of dramatic presentations of 'scenes' from the text or visual responses to some of the sources which inspired him.  There is an optional performance and exhibition of work by the end of the afternoon.  For those who prefer to be 'behind the scenes', there will be plenty of scope for you as adviser, stage manager, text 'editor' or photographer.   

£10  - morning only.

 For bookings and directions please ring Judy Dewsbery :  01424  431 305    

Coastal Currents workshops 2009

Make a paper kimono! As part of Coastal Currents you are invited to come to the Beacon and make or decorate a paper kimono. Materials are provided. It is hoped that you will include your garment in the 'interactive kimono event' (see below) whether to be worn or to be part of the installation on Friday 25th September. Judy Dewsbery, with the co-operation of Linda King and David Reeve and SoCo artists, have devised the opportunity explore a fantasy of temporary contemporary kimonos. Please join us!

There is a small fee for materials. You don't have to be skilled in garment construction, just have to be able to use a pair of scissors and Sellotape or glue. It will be what it will be.

16th, 17th and 21st September, 10am-4pm.

For more information please phone (01424) 431305

Past Kimono Workshops

You don't have to be able to sew!

More KIMONOs: a SoCo workshop

Sunday 24th May, 10am – 4pm at the Beacon

Following the installation of the kimonos produced in the first workshop, shown at WPS Gallery in Hastings Old Town and Oak Passage, a further workshop has been scheduled. It is hoped, but not promised, that this will result in a bigger installation - a forest of kimonos that the audience has to move through.

Based on the concept of the Japanese garment, with its symbolism, geometric cut, its history of customs and rules, its potential for sensuality and storytelling, this workshop offers the exploration of the potential for moving it into a contemporary context.

Seen as an object suspended from a horizontal pole, the outside surface is open to decoration, elimination or expression, the interior there for discovery.

Worn on a body, moving, softening the geometry into curves and folds, the kimono becomes the expression of the wearer, enhances them or perhaps eclipses the wearer altogether.

The workshop will provide basic shapes on which to draw, paint, glue, cut or sew so bring paint, anything to add or sew on etc. to build ideas. This conceptual stage may be as far as you want to go.

Bring your own fabric if you wish to work with something in particular. This isn't a dyeing or embroidery workshop. There are sewing machines and people to help you to sew if required. Remember there are only 5 hours in this workshop.

£25 for SoCo members, £30 for non-members, the price includes refreshments, light lunch and a VERY basic kimono in a flat form.

Booking is essential as places are limited.  Please phone Judy on 01424 431305 or email judy@beaconhastings.com   to book or for more information.

images of some of the KIMONOS from the workshops in march

SoCo ‘In Conversation'

Thursday 29th January 2009, 7- 9 pm.  at the Beacon

Japanese textiles and the kimono: Robert Mucci shows items from his extensive collection of 19th and 20th century Japanese textiles and garments, in a talk on the history and symbolism, the sensuality and creativity, the workmanship and skill involved in the fabrication. This is a rare opportunity to see these amazing textiles at close quarters. Some of these are ‘museum quality', all are visually splendid.

An example of garments on show: ‘Lozenge Diaper. Stitchwork on hemp. Kogin Type, end of Edo period (1801-1868). The patterns are hand embroidered in white cotton threads on dark blue hemp cloth in a technique which involves crossing of the threads over and under regular numbers of warp and wefts, each motif requiring a specific system of counting. Repetition and combinations of these motifs give rise to a rich variety of design. This coat is Quilted Sashiko method of sewing together one or more layers of textile, sometimes rags, that is strong and warm. This cloth is embroidery work by women of agricultural villages in Aomori and Akita Prefectures. To ensure a good marriage it is essential for her to learn the Kogin technique. Training began at an early age and by the time of marriage a woman would have woven a number of kimono for herself and her husband to be'. 

£5  (£4 SoCo members)  includes glass of wine. 

Booking is essential as places are limited.  Please phone Judy on 01424 431305 or email judy@beaconhastings.com   to book, or for more information.

The contemporary KIMONO: a SoCo workshop

Sunday 1st February 2009, 10am – 4pm. at the Beacon

Kimono workshop lead by Judy Dewsbery:

Based on the concept of the Japanese garment, with its symbolism, geometric cut, its history of customs and rules, its potential for sensuality and storytelling, this workshop offers the exploration of the potential for all of this moving into a contemporary context. I am interested in the kimono as the antithesis of western dress –the symbolism central to the culture and the geometry of the cut, as opposed to the silhouette and shape of  western wear.

Seen as an object suspended from a horizontal pole, the outside surface is open to decoration, elimination or expression, the interior there for discovery. 

Worn on a body, moving, softening the geometry into curves and folds, the kimono becomes the expression of the wearer, enhances them or perhaps eclipses the wearer altogether.

The workshop will provide basic shapes on which to draw, paint, glue, cut or sew so bring paint, anything to add or sew on etc. to build ideas. This conceptual stage may be as far as you want to go.

Bring your own fabric if you wish to work with something in particular. This isn't a dyeing or embroidery workshop. There are sewing machines and people to help you to sew if required.
Remember there are only 5 hours in this workshop.

£25 for SoCo members, £30 for non-members, the price includes refreshments, light lunch and a VERY basic kimono in a flat form.

Booking is essential as places are limited.  Please phone Judy on 01424 431305 or email judy@beaconhastings.com   to book, or for more information on either of these events.

SoCo are considering the possibility of a follow-up workshop if required and a day ‘show' open to the public, with sushi.

Resident of the Year, 2008

Hastings Observer

Nomination for Judy Dewsbery

The reason why I think Judy deserves this accolade is because she does so much to improve the quality of life of her neighbours and other local residents. Judy allows the St Mary's Terrace Preservation Society to meet at her home for Committee meetings regularly. She sets the room up, provides heating and often refreshments – all with good humour and a smile on her face. She helps to produce and distribute the newsletter to the Terrace and every summer she hosts a wonderful Garden party for residents of St Mary's Terrace. The Garden Party is a popular event attracting up to about 100 residents and includes a plant stall, a book stall, a raffle, and a cake stall. As part of the Garden Party Judy coordinates and hangs an art exhibition of work produced by residents. On the day of the party Judy can always be found in a beautiful colourful frock, wearing bright red lipstick, making cakes in her kitchen and pouring out hundreds of cups of tea from a huge pot. One of the elements of Judy's personality that I love is that she is so positive. Whenever the committee are faced with problems, Judy always comes up with positive ideas and offers practical solutions. She is happy to roll her sleeves up and get stuck in – like when she and her partner Simon helped clear the lane outside the Beacon and lay new gravel, or last year when Judy and Simon cooked Christmas dinner for all the residents of the street at the Christmas party. She has a warm and friendly manner which means that all types and ages of people are drawn to the Beacon with its welcoming atmosphere. In addition to all this Judy is involved in a Youth Theatre group called Dab, helps with the St Mary's Terrace Archive group and she oversees a thriving programme of arts activities and yoga workshops for residents of Hastings. Judy can always be relied upon to help people out of tricky spots – even at the last minute. Recently she came to the rescue of the Castle Ward Forum when the venue for their kite making workshops pulled out at short notice. I know that Judy has had a tough year as a close friend of hers died recently and her beloved dalmation dog Bam Bam had to be put down. I would love Judy to win this award as a way of acknowledging all her hard work and saying thank you to her for all the good she does for others. She certainly makes Hastings a better, friendlier, more creative place to live.

Hastings Hot Houses at the Beacon

At the Beacon there is 'Dancing with De-Lange' a series of paintings from Judy Dewsbery, plywood constructions by Patrick Burton and landscapes from Liz Hankin from Uckfield. Kate Orr is opening her studio of colourful paintings and rumour has it that sculptor Mike Williams is showing work from the recent stone carving workshops alongside his own pieces.

Theatrical Performances and Events

Judy has been involved in many theatrical performances and events. They vary in range from a performance on the subject of domestic violence, a cabaret style evening describing the journey in search of gender, to street theatre. She works with dab Arts and other theatrical groups to create these performances which, from their concept and beginnings at the Beacon, are performed in venues, both local and in London. Judy is involved with all aspects including costume, stage sets, props and performing.

These events are now to be found on Judy's part of the site. click here

Musical Feasts and Cabaret Evenings

Over the past 2 years we have been hosting a series of evenings run as 'private parties' for up to 80 people, all seated. Friends and friends of friends are invited to attend, booking essential, and they contribute towards costs of musicians and food.

Simon is in charge of the food, all of it being sourced as locally and in season as possible. A set menu of main course with vegetarian option, followed by dessert, then fruit, cheese and coffee is brought to candle-lit tables.

Musically we have had Naomi Kilby, a trainee opera singer, with piano and harpsichord accompaniment offering a programme that ranged from Mozart to Kurt Weill.

The Stanhope Players, with musical director George Veness played 18th Century Chamber Music with violin, oboe, bassoon and flute using harpsichord and square piano from the Stanhope Collection
(www.stanhopecollection.co.uk).

Guest artists include mezzo soprano Claire Sheffield who was singing a Bach aria when a ripple of laughter went through the room - the sheep were staring through the window behind her, transfixed. (See attached image)

Neshamah, Lynda Murray's quartet have done several evenings including one on the theme of Duke Ellington and also a salsa one. See: www.hastingsjazzclub.co.uk  for details of Lynda's monthly jazz club based downstairs in the White Rock Hotel, Hastings.

The last evening of 2005 featured local divas, who were accompanied by Matt Juckes on a grand piano in one room and a keyboard in the other. The ladies, Ms Valentine Blue, Bea Lacey, Eve Ferret, Lynda Murray, Mama Josie and Lex - individually performed one number in each room. The diners left their tables to follow them. Fabulous.

We also host functions for the St Mary's Terrace Preservation Society such as the summer garden party, art exhibition and the Christmas party.

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