The 1930s in Britain saw a widespread movement promoting outdoor health and fitness, reflecting similar developments across Europe. Days spent at the lido were a leading pastime. It was an opportunity not only to cool down, but to exercise, socialize within the sensuous curves of the finest International modernist ‘art deco’ architecture, the perfect expression for this new type of civic building. The lido occupied a special place in the community: a world apart from everyday routines, where swimming, sunbathing and sociability combined with a carefully designed modern environment.
Recent years have seen a renewed interest in Britain’s old lidos. However, this has not been without dedicated campaigning and fundraising over many years, enabling these art deco icons to continue as unique community hubs.
The Jubilee Pool, Penzance
This is regularly rated as Britain’s best lido. It was built between 1931 and 1934, although there was controversy surrounding its construction as some locals thought the money could be better spent on improving the town’s water supply.
It is made up of a distinctive triangular pool pointing out to sea, with sensuous curves around the three sides and tiers down to the pool. The outer walls were designed to look like a seagull in flight, which you can see on this aerial photograph. The pool is huge, holding 5m litres of water and it can hold up to 600 swimmers!
A new addition in 2019 was the geothermal pool which is heated using a 410m borehole drilled into he rock below.
CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO FROM JUBILEE POOL STORIES CELEBRATING THE ART DECO ARCHITECTURE AND BENEFITS OF THE POOL
https://vimeo.com/572263973?fl=pl&fe=cm#t=10s
Thanks to @awenproductionscic for sharing these
Tinside Lido, Plymouth
Built in 1935, Tinside Lido is a striking example of the popular Art Deco style of the time and is Grade II listed. A semi-circular saltwater pool protrudes into Plymouth Sound from the Hoe just below the red and white bands of Smeaton Tower. It was renovated in 2003, and provided hope for other communities who wanted to restore other lidos. Swimming is available from May to September and there is also a terrace café.
Guildford Lido
This lido is surrounded by 4 acres of lush gardens, which is unusual. It’s also unusual because it was part funded by the Mayor’s Work Fund which had been established to employ men who found themselves out of work due to the global recession. Up to 100 of the 657 unemployed men in Guildford helped build the Lido. 6000 people attended the opening ceremony in 1933.
Today, the pool is not original as it was built to imperial measurements. It was extended in 1989 to the standard metric competition size.
Tarlair Lido
Although the pools are still awaiting renovation for safe swimming, Tarlair already has renovated the main main pool building which has won awards. This unique cream and peppermint Art Deco structure, set within spectacular natural scenery houses a popular cafe. Dedicated campaigning and fund raising by the Friends of Tarlair mean that bringing the whole lido back into use is on the cards.
You can find out more about the Friends of Tarlair and the fascinating history of the pool here: https://friendsoftarlair.co.uk/
Saltdean Lido
As Britain’s finest streamline lido, this complex has received many plaudits. It is iconic and having reopened in 2017 after an extensive restoration it is now enjoyed by around 100,000 people each year.
Below is a link to a video exploring the architecture of the lido.