This is last but one holiday post but I promise I will squeeze something else soon.
On day three we decided against going to Hastings as planned, this was very much due to a conversation between our lovely hostess and a couple of guests where they stated that it is not nice at all. Instead we headed to Bexhill-on-Sea to see the De La Warr Pavilion and enjoy the seaside.
I’ve been wanting to see this Modernist building for many years. I say Modernist but many would argue it is in fact Art Deco, what it is precisely is an International Style and the building is the second Modernist building in Britain after the Hornsey Town Hall in London’s Crouch End.
It was built in 1935 by a Russian and a German architect practicing in England and its purpose was to attract more tourists to Bexhill. The original plans had a massive swimming pool with a pier coming into the sea. Can you imagine how fantastic that would be?
The building reminds me of an ocean liner with the beautiful banisters and clean shapes. The spiral staircase is spectacular. The chairs are by Alvar Aalto. The restaurant is definitely a good place for lunch or coffee with its sea views and good salads.
Hang On A Minute Lads, I’ve Got A Great Idea… by Richard Wilson. That famed line from The Italian Job.
The landscaping along the beach is another thing worth mentioning. It is, for me, the perfect design that works with the surrounding area and will age well while remaining modern and original. It was lovely to see something contemporary, even though the town is mostly Victorian we weren’t treated to the old tired pier. The colours blended beautifully with the pebbles and I was very impressed with the choice of plants. Another great thing about it was that it was very interactive and inviting, my toddler stayed amused for well over an hour. Very clever Bexhill-on-Sea.
The town needs the same treatment, it looked like it was stuck in the 70s and begged for a facelift but if you are after a day in the seaside the Pavilion will provide you with everything you need including a nice gallery shop and good food.
De La Warr Pavilion
Marina, TN40 1DP
Found you through Annie at Insideology and have to say I’m really smitten with Bexhill-on-Sea. I love the name of the town, too. My great-aunt lived in Westcliff-on-Sea and thought it was the most magical sounding town name. The De La Warr Pavillion and the little boardwalk along the beach first came to light for me through Keane’s most recent album; in fact, I have a shirt and poster with the De La Warr Pavillion outlined in the back from their recent tour. So neat to learn more about it and see the inside, as well. It sounds like you had a nice vacation! And got some great weather.
Hello Erin! The English town names are special and glad this was useful. I had no idea about the Keane album cover, ashamed to say but had no idea they still record music, ahem. Love your blog btw.
Such a pity you passed on Hastings, the old town of Hastings is wonderful great shopping (especially A Hendy’s Homestore) galleries and lovely food to be had. The relatively new Jerwood Gallery is showing Gary Hume at the moment and the building itself is quite stunning clad in reflective tiles and set amongst the old net sheds. As with all the British seaside it can be a bit rough and ready round the edges but I think that this is a reflection of a places heritage and all the better for it.
Oh I’ve been desperate to see this forever! It’s probably the building in England I most want to visit. Isn’t it beautiful?
You’re so right about British seaside towns, they’re mostly dire. I keep hoping Mr&MrsSmith or someone similar will start some sort of rejuvenation charity so people with style (Like us!?) can have a good experience. Have you been to Whistable? that’s lovely although I haven’t been since the 90s. Much more working seaside town than holiday destination. amazing for oysters.
notsurebut: I am sure there are good things about Hastings and I will definitely visit some time soon, the Homestore was on my list, it looks incredible. It’s just a matter of prioritising.
Annie: I love Whitstable, the super cheap oysters as fresh as they get and those lovely beach huts.
De La Warr is a must see, very beautiful, I am so happy I visited.
what a gorgeous building!!
Another to add to the to-see list! K x