Museum opens after refurbishment

Archibald Belaney, known as Grey Owl, is featured in an exhibition

The re-opening of a museum in a Sussex town has been marked with a colourful opening ceremony.

Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, in Johns Place, opened its doors on Saturday following a £1m refurbishment.

Native American dancers performed at the ceremony to celebrate the unveiling of a exhibition on Grey Owl, Archibald Belaney, who went to Hastings Grammar.

Visitors were also given the chance to see the watercolour of Hastings by JMW Turner the museum bought for £210,000.

"Hastings: Fish Market on the Sands, Early Morning" was acquired at a Sotheby's auction for £210,000.

Grey Owl connection

The museum which had been shut since 2005, has new exhibitions on Mods and Rockers and television inventor John Logie Baird.

Before the ceremony Hasting Council leader Peter Pragnell said: "I am really looking forward to seeing the town's main museum open again, and to see the many improvements that have been made.

"To celebrate the Grey Owl connection we are privileged in having a Native American dance group, Thunder Nation, performing at the opening ceremony."