Hastings 1925

James McBey created the etching "Hastings" on July 20, 1925, capturing a slice of British coastal life in the interwar period. McBey, as a war artist during World War I, had a profound understanding of human experiences amidst turmoil and transition. Here, we see a busy beach scene populated by boats and working figures. These people are silhouetted, anonymous, their labor a quiet hum against the backdrop of the sea. The labor of fishing, an industry deeply rooted in the identities of coastal communities, is visible here. These communities were often marginalized, their stories untold in mainstream narratives. McBey uses etching, a medium capable of intricate detail, to render the scene with a sense of lived reality. The emotional and experiential aspect of "Hastings" lies in its ability to evoke the everyday, the unglamorous, and yet essential rhythms of life. It offers a glimpse into a specific time and place, inviting us to reflect on the interplay between identity, labor, and the environment.