From Sneeky Peeks to Full Streets
HIP talks to Vannessa Mann about how she came to map St Leonards and beyond.
What gave you the idea of creating a map of the town?
I’m fascinated by the rollercoaster history of Hastings and St Leonards which seems to fluctuate between times of rags and riches, with lost harbours and architecture, tales of adventure and intrigue – and of many charismatic people.
After moving here from Barcelona and the French Riviera – where I was based as a professional sailor and then a restorer of superyacht interiors – I felt a bit lost. There was no current guide to the area, and I had to rely on the people I met to find what I needed. This led to the production of the Sneeky Peek Picturesque Guide to Hastings and St Leonards, published in 2016 in partnership with my wonderful friend Rachel Heavens under the banner of Eek Publications.
Did you have any experience in publishing?
We started from scratch with no experience of publishing and no money, having to raise funds through crowdfunding (Eek indeed!). I learnt so much from that time that, after a much-needed rest, I felt the need to turn my hand to another project – and the maps sprang to mind.
When did the first edition come out?
The first edition of the St Leonards map hit the streets in 2019. Hastings is new this year, with hopefully many more years to come. It was hard to get to include as many people as I’d have liked due to Covid conditions, but next year let’s hope that more people have the opportunity to be included.
How did you monetise it?
All the featured businesses have paid a fee to be included. This pays for printing and the work I put in, though this year has been tough. The retail monopoly in much of this area has fortunately remained in the hands of small independent businesses run by local people. I aim to keep the maps as affordable to businesses as possible and free to pick up. It makes a little money which is always good, but not that much.
What feedback have you had over the past two years?
It’s pleasantly surprising. I’m so flattered by the response I’ve had from the businesses I support and from the public, which has been nothing but positive. Requests are received from faraway places and I’ve been told that maps are taken home and framed to hang on walls all over the country. A request I’ve had, that sadly didn’t come to anything because of the pandemic, was to make the print into wallpaper for an old town business.
The maps involve incredible detail. Was each building drawn individually?
Yes, I drew each of the buildings. With some sections I had to walk around taking photos of streets every few steps – which I’m surprised didn’t get me arrested. I also made good use of Google maps.
Why did you choose to create such detailed maps?
Most maps, especially those aimed at tourists, would usually pick out key buildings and landmarks. I wanted to keep things a bit wonky and handmade, plus, when depicting a street such as Kings Road, I needed to show the shop fronts on both sides. Some new buildings have appeared in St Len’s lately though. I have some work to do for next year by drawing additions onto bits of paper and sticking them onto the original in the right places.
Do you have plans for future projects?
There are other seaside towns I’d like to draw next, though not sure exactly where just yet. I can feel a few bucket and spade ‘business trips’ coming on!
• If anyone would like a listing, or is interest in advertising space (new for next edition) email: [email protected]
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