The artwork on the dilapidated Pier Head
in Swanage, Dorset, highlights the plight of this building, with images
on the frontage and three windows depicting the past, present and possible
future of the site.
The murals show cracks and crumbling plasterwork
- an indication of how the building will look if left in its current
state of disrepair. A line of gulls stand on the building’s parapet.
Numerous attempts by the building’s
owners to redevelop have been rejected by the district planners. The
site, which occupies a prime position overlooking Swanage Bay, remains
controversial in the town; however the owners are determined to gain
permission for a landmark contemporary building including gallery, cafe
bar and seafood restaurant.
Antonia and Nina volunteered to paint these
murals as part of Purbeck Art Week - their artwork is already capturing
public interest and will continue to be accessible art for locals and
visitors until the building falls down or is redeveloped. Visitors from
Poole commented: “Great idea – public, open art –
lots of fun!”
About the Building
The Pier Head building was constructed
as a temporary mess hall for the mainly Canadian demobbed troops still
awaiting transport home after the Second World War.
The row of ancient elms which once stood
on the site were home to flocks of the noisy birds from which the listed
building at the rear takes its name. In recent years “The Rookery”
(circa 1824) fell into disrepair, but was saved from demolition and
restored by Michael Storer in 1995/6.
The Pier Head Café lost its raison
d’être when The Pier closed in the 1970’s. Used latterly
as a wind surfing school and bingo hall, it was finally deemed unsafe
for use in the 1990’s. The site remains controversial in the Town,
but the long term owners are still determined to gain permission for
a landmark contemporary building including gallery, destination restaurant
and café bar.
And of course, Gee White's seafood stall will be open just across the
road! |
