The Lambie Bros.Copyright. 2010

The Hastings Rarities Affair

24/09/2010

Thirteen artists inspired by a 60's Ornithological scandal

The Hastings Rarities Affair is an artist led project and exhibition which re-interprets an infamous ornithological scandal revealed in the 1960's.

Renowned worldwide within the bird-watching community, the Hastings Rarities Affair is a story of alleged fraud and deception.

A large quantity of rare birds were apparently recorded and collected within a 20-mile radius of Hastings during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. the authenticity of these sightings was questioned by British Birds magazine in 1962, and as a result many species were removed from the British list.

In this exhibition thirteen artists have taken both a humorous and critical look at the saga and used it as a springboard for developing new work. The featured artists are: Sineid Codd (project Co-ordinator), The Lambie Brothers, Roz Cran, Liz Finch, Lorna Crabbe, Natalie Suggitt, Len Shelley, Nik Barrow, Harry Snook, Charlotte Snook, Judith Rowe and Saffron Summerfield.

The work on display, inspired by the Museum's archive and collection of birds, has been brought together in an installation which includes paintings and drawings, photography, sound, sculpture and textiles.

go to: Calendar of Events