Popular Hastings Old Town pub becomes art gallery during lockdown

The Crown in Hastings Old Town is currently displaying colourful artwork in its windows created by local people to depict the pub
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The pub, at the bottom of All Saints Street, launched an art competition in January during the lockdown, inviting local artists to send in drawings, paintings, etchings and sketches of the pub.

The response has been phenomenal; nearly 50 entries have been sent in and the variety of entries has ranged from oil paintings, knitted crowns, stained glass, illustration, collage, watercolours, felt, craft, models, and even a digital experience.

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“The pub has been depicted in many ways; during lockdown, on a busy Jack in The Green day, with our friendly seagull, and a historic view from the 1800s.

Crowbn Art 3 SUS-210329-140656001Crowbn Art 3 SUS-210329-140656001
Crowbn Art 3 SUS-210329-140656001

Entries have come from those aged eight to 88, from a mix of professional artists to those who have picked up a paintbrush for the first time. Landlady Tess Swan, landlady, said: “We have been overjoyed to receive these artworks during lockdown.

“People have put such an incredible amount of time, effort and love into their entries and we are so grateful. “We have been pleased to be able to continue to celebrate local talent during this time.” Imogen Partridge, one of the artist entrants said: “We have so many wonderful memories at The Crown, and I love painting, so this was perfect for me, I so look forward to visiting and seeing all the artworks in real life”.

“The exhibition is currently being displayed in the windows of The Crown, All Saints Street, for those passing to enjoy, but will move onto the walls inside the pub for a month, once it reopens later in the Spring.

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There will be a public vote for the overall winner, and some pieces will be for sale.

The pub has always depicted work by local artists in exhibitions.

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