Newspaper Article 1992 – Architect’s finest work lost

Architect’s finest work lost

One of the finest public examples of the work of architect George Sollitt was lost with the fire which razed Sacred Heart Church in Hastings on Sunday morning.

Sacred Heart, designed by Sollitt and Allan, was built at a cost of £3,300, and featured Gothic timber pillars which were characteristic of Sollitt’s style.

Sollitt (1834-1911) was a Yorkshireman and one of the first architects to set up practice in Hastings in 1890.

The central spire of the church was supported by pointed corner buttresses and the interior detailing demonstrated Sollitt’s expertise in designing in wood.

This photograph is one of a number of Sollitt’s works featured in Peter Shaw and Peter Hallett’s booklet, Spanish Mission, Hastings, Styles of Five Decades.