Tree (Philip Henry) F.R.I.B.A.

Premier Cinque Port,
c.1910.
an early 20th century promotional poster for the numerous historical attractions to be found in and around Hastings, on the Sussex coast. Predominantly comprising a map extending from Pevensey in the west to Rye and Camber in the east, and from the south coast to the river Rother in the north, it is surrounded by vignette views of the nearby castles of Herstmonceux, Bodiam, Pevensey and Hastings, along with the Abbey of St Martin at Battle, each titled on a decorative banderole. In the lower corners are inset plans of Hastings Castle and Battle Abbey, and in the sea are depicted ships of the Cinque Ports, along with several sea monsters and a decorative cartouche listing the points of historical interest to visitors. The map itself is detailed with roads and railways, and the names of all the towns and villages. Across the top of the whole design is a large title banner with the Cinque Port arms of Hastings in the centre, and two armorial seals suspended below. A small tableau depiction of William’s landing at Pevensey is in the upper left corner. The whole design is enclosed within a decorative acorn and oak leaf-scroll border.

Philip Henry Tree (1848-1922) was born and raised in St Leonards, and became a prominent architect who was responsible for several distinctive houses and churches in the successor generation of St Leonards-on-Sea’s development following the founding period of James and Decimus Burton. To advertise his property developments, Tree often applied his artistic talents to depict the proposed buildings in their surroundings in a style very like the pictorial elements of this poster, itself created to attract visitors and potential buyers to the area.

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570 by 805mm (22½ by 31¾ inches).