Hastings council defends installation of sculpture following criticism

The sculpture, which is located close to Denmark Place, Hastings, is a reflection of the historic beaching of the submarine U118 which happened in the early hours of April 15, 1919.

Two people died after being exposed to a toxic gas inside the submarine months after its beaching.

The sculpture, which was installed by Coastal Currents, represents the historic moment and shows a man choking to death.

Gary Gasson, a local resident, said the sculpture was inappropriate, particularly given the current health emergency.

He added: "What is the Jerwood gallery for if not for something like this?

"Are there no uplifting and inspiring pieces that could have been used, at a time when we all need something like that, rather than this ugly and depressing monstrosity?

"My issue is that this really shouldn't be right by the promenade where anybody can just happen upon it with no warning. I wouldn't like my five-year-old granddaughter to see this."

Hastings Borough Council said the installation was originally planned for earlier this year and was not intended as a commentary on the current pandemic.

A spokesman said the installation was delayed due to Covid-19 and 'any perceived similarities are purely coincidental'.

The council spokesman said: "This temporary art piece is part of Coastal Currents and was installed by the artist Brian Mander with our consent. We do not make subjective judgements on the quality of public art works, but we do require that they comply with relevant health and safety and planning regulations.

"The work was originally planned for installation earlier in the year, but delayed because of COVID-19. The piece is a reflection on the historic beaching of U118 on that exact spot, after which two people died from exposure to toxic gas inside; the artwork is not intended as a commentary on the current pandemic and any perceived similarities are purely coincidental.

"We have received no other negative feedback from the public, but we have requested that the artist install some further contextual information on site as well as information on how the public can contact him with any questions relating to the piece."