Beatrice Hastings

Biography

Beatrice Hastings (1879-1943), born Emily Alice Haigh, was a well-off young woman who supported herself on a large inheritance. Born in London but raised in South Africa, she was educated in Sussex near Hastings--a town from which she took her pseudo-name. She spent time in Paris travelling before her career and returned under the assumed name, claiming it as a married name from a failed marriage. It is believed that much of what she told her contemporaries was fictitious, and that she was a prolific employer of pen-names. Much of her early writing was published in The New Age during her long-term affair with the Alfred Orage, who was the editor for a few years. Together, they prided themselves on their writing and encouragement of young talent including F. S. Flint and Ezra Pound. Hastings helped edit the journal, and her influence can be seen throughout. The New Age also brought her into association with Katherine Mansfield, whose life echoed her own. Though she later condemned Mansfield’s character and writing, Mansfield looked up to Hastings, even calling her “Biggy B.” Hastings would go on to be an inspiration to other artists, including Amedeo Modigliani and Jean Cocteau, before committing suicide at the age of 64.

Her writing largely addresssd women’s suffrage and she was unafraid to address issues such as sexuality and infidelity. A frequent story told about Beatrice Hastings, which she denied, is that she considered lovers notches on her bedpost. While it may be untrue, it works well with the main character, Beatrice, of the short story “Tète à Tète, à la Femme.” In the story, two friends discuss the benefits and downfalls of a free marriage. Beatrice never married--other than in her stories--and never had children, much like the main character. Her sympathy for the traditional way of life is clear within the story while still remaining open and candid about modern and shocking relationships.