We found these steel silhouette sculptures on the Promenade close to the pier at Colwyn Bay. They are by Freshwest and depict a family on holiday by the sea.
The pier is a new one.
When we last visited Colwyn Bay, which seems a very long time ago now, there was a building on the old pier which was mainly a cafe with several stalls around selling things like second hand books and beach toys.
The first phase of the first pier on this site opened on 1st June 1900 and was known as the Victoria Pier and Pavilion. A second phase, doubing the length of the pier, was finished around 1905. In 1911 the owners tried to sell the pier as it wasn't profitable but it failed to sell before the outbreak of WWI in 1914. A small theatre was added to the end of the pier in 1916.
In 1922 the Pavilion theatre was destroyed by fire, but the newer little theatre survived. Construction of a second pavilion began in 1923 and it lasted ten years before it was, like the first pavilion, destroyed by fire
A third pavilion was built with fire retardant materials in an Art Deco style. The inside walls were decorated by Mary Adshead and Eric Ravilious. Apparently they were abstract works depicting underwater scenes. The new, third pavilion opened in 1934. There were many alterations made over the years due to changes in taste and fashion. Meanwhile the pier deteriorated.
By 2018 after much legal wrangling the whole pier was demolished and those Art Deco murals that had not succumbed to damage by damp were rescued by Conwy Council conservation staff.
The new pier was opened on 21st July 2021.
Here is a - link - to more about the murals and another - link - to an article about the history of the pier.
Great to see that someone is going completely against the grain by actually BUILDING a pier so recently. Now off to explore those links....
ReplyDeleteThank you John, yes it is good to see a new pier - it's as short as neighbouring Llandudno's is long, but it was lovely to sit on there for a while. Hope you enjoy the old photos in the links:)
DeleteIt's great that they decided to build a new pier despite all the problems with the old ones, they are such a good attraction at a seaside giving lots of photo opportunities. It would have been good to see the Eric Ravilious designs, I'll have a look at the link to see if they have any photos. The silhouettes are another great idea. 😊
ReplyDeleteThank you CK, I'm glad there is still a pier there. When we went on the old pier a few years ago I think all the murals were behind cladding to preserve them, they certainly couldn't be seen. There are some photos of them on the links:)
DeleteI was interested in the restoration work. My late aunt and uncle lived near Colwyn Bay. I remember my visits to see them and also before they settled in the area. Thank you for all the photos of the artwork and the seaside scenery.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda, how lovely to have lots of memories of visits to the area. Glad you enjoyed the photos:)
DeleteI love the openness of the new pier and the lack of clutter. The shadows under the benches suggest you took your pics close to midday, yet no other promenades in view. Lovely piece.🐰O L O Bunny.
ReplyDeleteThank you Robert. It was lovely and spacious, just two or three others sitting on the benches. We must have been there mid afternoon and it was very warm. The shadows by the sculptures are permanent and part of the whole, so always in the same place. Glad you enjoyed reading:)
DeleteA fascinating blog post about the history of the old pier. I am glad they decided to build a new one but such a shame that the old one deteriorated to the point where it had to be demolished. I do like the sculptures on the beach. Off now to explore the links. Thanks for providing them. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThank you Caroline. I rather like the new pier, it's very elegant. We went to find the sculptures which I'd seen on line somewhere and found the new pier close by. Hope you enjoy the links, there are lots of old photos on there:)
DeleteFingers crossed this pier will last a good long time. I think my favourite pier is Cliveden. B x
ReplyDeleteThank you B. I hope it lasts too. There are some lovely piers around. I've never seen that one but would love to, apparently it's very beautiful:)
DeleteThe sculpture are soooooooo cool. I bet from a distance where you see shadows they look real. The pier is awesome. Never seen one so pretty and quaint.
ReplyDeleteThe pier had an interesting history and I am glad that some of the murals were saved before it was finally demolished. I hope the new pier creates its own interesting history for new generations. I really like the steel sculptures of a family enjoying a day at the seaside. Have a good first week of July .
ReplyDelete