Here in Blackpool we have a surfeit of piers one could say. North, Central, South, St Annes, Fleetwood (ish); every mile or so you can head out over the sea on one of the wrought iron and wood marvels, awash with violent colour and temptations to whack-a-rat or race a camel. It’s been two hundred years since the UK saw its first pier constructed (Ryde pier on the Isle of Wight, pub quiz fans). Photographer Simon Roberts has been around the whole of the country as part of a national project to record every single pier that has survived the two hundred years, and some that have not quite managed it. These photographs have then been sent to costal galleries the length and breadth of the UK. The Grundy has got Blackpool’s share of this historical record of these mighty monuments to man’s desire to walk where no man has walked before.
The Rotunda Gallery at the Grundy is again this week to be a show space in its own right. Simon Roberts’ huge photographs have been selected to be its opening show. I’ve seen the pictures and they are stunning.ย It’s not just Blackpool being represented though, St Annes and Southport are among the half a dozen pictures to be exhibited.
If you are coming to the Grundy to see the Heather Phillipson show then do make sure you take the short walk up the stairs to see these wonderful photos. Or why not come especially to see Simon’s work? Then take the plunge into the gallery to experience the main exhibition. Either way you will not be disappointed.
PIERDOM opens 10 July and runs to 27 September.
Featured image shows PIERDOM at Flowers Gallery, London, and is from the artist’s website.
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