Fishermens Museum

This small Hastings Museum in what was the Fisherman’s church documents what may be a passing way of life, and of course the maritime history of this seaside town. Inside is a large boat, the Lugger, and around it are photos, paintings and all sorts of fishing artifacts. We had a short time for tourist activities, so we popped in just to see a stereo viewer donated by a local artist, Peter Creswell. His exhibit is not to be missed. What you have is a modern view master, and photos of old fisherman and fishing life in 3D. The photos, seen under the view, are amazing works of art. The photo of the old fisherman was awesome. Every line, hair and detail stood out. You can sense how a tough way of life took its toll on the subject and his grit and commitment to his life in every wrinkle. You feel as if you can touch the subjects in the photo.
It should be noted that Peter Creswell did the photography himself and also designed the Viewer, itself a optical marvel. Ask the friendly person at the counter to change the photos for you so you see them all. It’s a chance to see life as it was, all in 3D. The Creswell viewer will only have one photo in it (or rather 2 of the same, to get the 3D effect). If you have any interest in photography and optics, this is one of the exhibits that will rock your world.
The museum is free of charge. You may donate what you wish or the suggested. The museum has lovely souvenirs.

The Fisherman’s Museum is based in an old church, with easy parkng in Rockonore car park just behind. It is a small museum, but I have visited many times as a child and with my own children. it is not glitzy, but to anyone who has lived by the sea it is very authentic. There is a real old fishing boat in the centre onto which the children can climb and look down at the sailors resting inside. It really gives a sense of scale and my children were gobsmacked when I told them that this was the size of many of the boats that went over to Dunkirk.
There are also odditiies like stuffed cormorants, o ld anchors etc. A new small gallery has been opened to the back with photographs of the area and the boats. If you go please do look at the commemoration book — the names of local fisherman lost at sea are still recorded there. I saw one of the boys from my school in there. Donations keep this running. There are also great places just over the road for a fish and chips lunch before a trip up the hill to the castle and caves.

It’s tiny so you’ll only spend half an hour in here but it’s free (you might want to chuck some money in the donation tin though) and the kids will ove clambering about on the boat and pretending to be sailors ! There are some interesting little displays so it’s definitely worth a look. Parking (especially free) can be a problem in the summer though.