It was grey and wet today. We had planned to toddle around Alexandra Park. But, in the Biblical downpour? Nope…
So, instead we visited Hastings Museum & Gallery…
I rather like the badgers, in the stained glass wi Dow, which is halfway up the older larger staircase, leading to the museums first floor.
They have a very mixed and varied collection. Including an exhibit about a local Hastings guy who rose to international fame pretending to be an Indian; Grey Owl, or, rather more prosaically, Archibald Belaney.
Tucked away at the rear of the complex, are an intriguing set of spaces. They certainly possess the ‘wow factor’. This area is called The Durban Hall, apparently. It’s pretty astonishing.
The Durbar Hall rooms, with their exquisite dark carved wood panelling, are truly breathtaking. The upper floor is loaded with interesting artefacts. The lower floor resembles a kind of mini-theatre.
Eventually, after sitting mesmerised in the lower room for some time, we exited this incredible space, and saw the remainder of the Museum and Gallery.
Their new temporary art exhibit was closed (still in the process of being hung). But some of their permanent collection was on display.
And, finally, back home…
What a great day. Filled with simple pleasures.