Dome's restoration caught on camera

 

06-SEP-10

Issued by: Duncan Bennett

A former Whitley Bay High School student has caught on camera the changes within the iconic Spanish City Dome during its restoration.

Rebecca Davis has spent over two years photographing the interior of the Dome, focusing on the colours, textures and details from the past that still now remain within the building, but are often overlooked.

Now those images will be displayed on the first floor of the building, beneath its spectacular domed ceiling.

People will be able to view the exhibition when North Tyneside Council opens the Dome to the public during September 9-12 as part of the Heritage Open Days and to celebrate the building's centenary.

Rebecca, 26, said: "Being able to exhibit my work in the Dome itself, having spent several years photographing the building, is a very exciting opportunity for me

"I'm proud that this project has allowed me to be involved in Whitley Bay's regeneration, which is something that I feel very passionate about as I grew up in the town."

The 6ft x 4ft images will be suspended from the columns that trace the Dome's circular shape. Rebecca aims to evoke memories within the viewers of her work by showing evidence of the building's past grandeur.

She added: "I want the viewer to see the beauty that still resides in the building and to therefore think positively about the space and its future.

"I want them to recognise the bright colours and flamboyant patterns that still appear within the building, but so often go unnoticed. I feel that this will allow people to reflect back to the times that they once spent in the spectacular building.

"I would also like people to think about what the building once represented, how it has evolved and will continue to evolve in the future."

Rebecca attended Whitley Bay High School and Tynemouth College. She was awarded a BA (Hons) in Contemporary Photographic Practice from Northumbria University.

In 2007 she started a photographic residency at the Dome, which was supported by the Arts Council and North Tyneside Council.

In addition to her photography exhibition on the first floor, the ground floor will feature an exhibition of memories of the Dome and Spanish City site that the council commissioned Whitley Bay-based creative design company Black Dog Design to produce.

The Dome will be open to the public from 10am to 4pm between Thursday September 9 and Sunday September 12 as part of the Heritage Open Days. For more information about the Heritage Open Days, visitwww.twhods.org.uk.

The public and their relationship with the Dome over the past 100 years will also be recognised in a commemorative book by Northern Voices Community Projects, based in Whitley Bay.

Meanwhile, theatrical production company Day8 Productions is behind a vintage variety show 'The Golden Age of Music Hall', which will be performed at the PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay, sponsored by the Evening Chronicle, from Thursday, September 9 to Saturday, September 11.

Performances start at 7.15pm (matinee on 11th at 2.15pm). Tickets cost £9 (conc) and £10 (full). Group discount - buy 10 tickets get 11th ticket free. Tickets are available from the PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay in person, or by phone 0844 277 2771 or online at www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk(service charges may apply).

ENDS

Notes to editors:

One of the final stages in the repair and conservation of the Dome took place recently when the Dancing Girls were reinstated. Temporary improvements will be added to the shop fronts to enhance the appearance of the building.

Conditional planning permission has been granted for a new link road to the rear of the Dome, subject to conditions.

This would replace the existing road, which skirts around the seaward side of Spanish City, enabling it to be pedestrianised and extending the seafront promenade area.

Meanwhile, the council is in discussion with short-listed developers about their proposals for the building.