John Cole, An Entente Cordiale 

Photographs, 2016

Co-produced by diep~haven and ROOT 1066 International Festival

 

John Cole spent five days photographing the small Normandy fishing community of Quiberville. These photos, alongside those of their Hastings counterparts, demonstrate the strong connections between the two coastal communities, showing the links that bind England and France through the work of these men and women.  John’s project is an Entente Cordiale - a cordial, good understanding - with our French neighbours at a time when it is especially important that we continue to find ways of working together. As in Hastings, the Quiberville fishermen and women work long, hard hours. But in spite of this, there is a genuine joie de vivre as the Quiberville fishermen pull in their nets, selling their rich harvest to the local residents.

 

John Cole has been photographing the men and women of Hastings’ fishing community since 1991. In 2014, Generations: Hastings Fishing Families was exhibited in the House of Commons. All John’s photos have been donated to the Hastings Fishermen's Protection Society, to help them in their struggle to raise awareness of the plight of local fishermen.