THE TIDE MILLS PROJECT
2021
By Carol Walton
Around 1770 a flour mill, driven by tidal power, opened on the Sussex coast between Seaford and Newhaven and a small village grew up around the mill. The mill closed in 1883 but the village, still known as Tide Mills, continued to be occupied. However, in 1937 some of the village residents had to leave because their homes were declared unfit for human habitation. The remaining residents moved away in 1940 as the area was needed for defensive purposes in case of invasion. Now mostly reclaimed by nature, the ruins that remain give a small insight into the incredible history of this once industrious and pioneering village. The Tide Mills Project is attempting to uncover the stories behind the ruins and share the diverse history of Tide Mills. Visitors were able to -
- Explore the industrial Tidal Mill
- Learn about the lost village
- Discover the WW1 Seaplane Station
- Find out why a hospital for disabled children was built on the beach
- Meet the characters that had a lasting impact on Tide Mills
- And much, much more…
LYT Productions, a youth led community production organisation, have successfully secured funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council of England and South Downs National Park Authority for an exciting and ambitious community project exploring the history of the village.
“Tide Mills – A Living History” saw LYT Productions working with local schools, colleges and community groups from Newhaven, Denton, Bishopstone, Seaford and the surrounding area to create a multi-sensory experience exploring the rich and varied history of the lost village. Eleven local schools, two colleges and four local community groups participated. Both Newhaven and Seaford Councils support the project.
From September 22nd to 26th the project team hosted Heritage Celebration Week. Commissioned local artists, designers, sculptors, poets, musicians, writers etc worked alongside the local community to present an amazing reconstruction of life in the village.
Below are some photos from the event -
'Tide Light Milled' installation by Project Director Phil Rose and sound artist Hal Wheeler.
Alex Franklin Photography
Artwork inspired by the seaplane station originally on the Tide Mills site by three East Sussex College Art & Design students assisted by sculptor Christian Funnel from designs by James Dibiase with an actor in costume.
Alex Franklin Photography
Actors in costume on the Community Garden
Alex Franklin Photography
Giant 3D zoetrope of galloping horses inspired by David Dale's racing stables original by animator and artist Abbie Stanton.
Alex Franklin Photography
'Listening Sleepers' installation by sculptor Christian Funnell and sound artist Hal Wheeler in collaboration with Chailey Heritage with actors dressed as norses on the site of Chailey Heritage Marine Hospital.
Alex Franklin Photography
The Sarlick, sculpture piece by Kittie Kipper created from thousands of circle weavings made by local school children and community members from ghost net, collected through beach cleans.
Alex Franklin Photography
Actors portraying the stationmaster and his son performing on the set of the stationmaster's cottage, created by scenic artist Romy Loughman and illustrator Rachel Cunningham.
Rachel Cunningham