This September, Hastings and St Leonards will host a series of events celebrating the life and work of Derek Jarman, the renowned artist, filmmaker, and activist who famously resided at Prospect Cottage in Dungeness. These events come as 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of Jarman’s death from an AIDS-related illness.

Jarman is revered for his explorations of British identity, set against the backdrop of Thatcherism, and for groundbreaking portrayals of queer love and gay sexuality. His fearless approach to filmmaking made a profound impact on the world of cinema, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists.

In addition to his contributions to film, Jarman was a talented painter, writer, and gardener. His multidisciplinary creative practice and relentless drive to experiment across various art forms make his work as compelling today as it was during his lifetime. In the last years of his life, Jarman made the South Coast his home, purchasing Prospect Cottage in Dungeness. It was here, with the help of Howard Sooley, that he created his now-iconic garden. Many of his films, including The Last of England and The Garden, were shot on location in or near Dungeness, making this local celebration especially poignant.

The events are organized by Jarman Now, a research network led by Dr. Elisa Oliver from Manchester Metropolitan University, dedicated to supporting and facilitating ongoing dialogue about the issues explored through Jarman’s work. The network has arranged a series of exciting events this September in Hastings, designed to explore and discuss Jarman’s creative legacy.

This is a unique opportunity to celebrate and engage with the legacy of one of Britain’s most influential and fearless artists.

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