Hastings Museum & Art Gallery is joining in the national Railway 200 celebrations by installing an exhibition of local railway exhibits, dating back to the arrival of the railways in Hastings in the mid-19th century.
Some of the exhibits are from the museum’s own collection, supplemented by items from the personal collection of SCRP volunteer director and railway enthusiast Kevin Boorman.
Kevin said: “I’ve built up quite a collection of local railway items over the years, the oldest dating back to 1849. This year the 200th anniversary of the modern railway is being celebrated (the Stockton & Darlington opened in 1825) and events are taking place across the country.
“I’m a volunteer director of the Southeast Communities Rail Partnership and we are encouraging local communities to celebrate Railway 200, so I’m very pleased to lend some of my collection to Hastings Museum & Art Gallery so that it can be enjoyed by others.”
Cllr Julia Hilton, leader of Hastings Borough Council and lead councillor for culture and tourism, added: “The railways have played a pivotal role in the development of Hastings as a major seaside resort, and more recently as a place for commuters to live. I am delighted that we can contribute to the national Railway 200 celebrations by using items from our own collection and working with Kevin to show some of his personal collection too.”
The exhibition opens at Hastings Museum & Art Gallery on Wednesday 2 April and runs until Sunday 29 June.
Photo: Kevin Boorman with the totem sign for Hastings station
