Hastings, 1882
Anonymous

An unmounted albumen print showing a view of Hastings on the South Coast of England.

A pencilled inscription verso in a period hand reads: ‘Hastings, August 82.’

The photographer seems to have set up his camera on East Hill. Looking at Google Street View, the line of houses on the seafront appear to match those that today lie along East Parade in the eastern area now known as Hastings Old Town. Some of the Net Shops – tall black wooden sheds for storing fishing nets – can be seen in the foreground. The town’s pier, which opened on 5 August 1872, can be seen in the background.

Photographer unidentified.

Condition: the print presents a few small marks in the area of the sea and two diagonal creases at its upper right-hand corner. Its tonal range is excellent.

Dimensions: the print measures 4” by 6.7” (10 cm by 17.1 cm).