Pier Bandstand, Weymouth

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A passer-by needs only a brief understanding of architectural history to place Wemouth's Pier Bandstand as a building of the 1930s. Put together in one building the symmetry, rendered finish, elongated windows, stepping above the central entrance, curved walls, elongated railings, minimalist clockface and flagpoles and you have most of the characteristics of a "moderne" building. It is the work of the architect V. J. Wenning and opened in May 1939. At that time this structure was the entrance to a large bandstand and concrete deck with seating for 2,400 that extended out towards the sea (removed in 1986). Indoors it housed concerts, dances, talent shows, roller skating, boxing and wrestling and many other attractions. It continues in use today, a focal point on this part of the promenade, and it is sympathetically restored (see the signage lettering).

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon Z 5

Former Franklin Barnes building, Bridge St, Hereford

The surprise building on Bridge Street, Hereford, is this 1930s Art Deco/Moderne building. It looks like it could have been a cinema but in fact was the retail premises of the local farm and garden merchant, Franklin Barnes & Co Ltd. The structure is steel framed with green and cream Vitrolite cladding. The stepped top, flag-posts, horizontal window bands, green "streamlines" and minimalist clock are all typical of Britain's somewhat underwhelming embrace of Modernism. All these details on the main elevation were wisely retained when it was restored c.2008. What was added at this time was the three red squares. Purists might deplore such an addition. I think they go well with the original design and improve it.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2

Odeon Cinema, Weston-super-Mare

When the Odeon cinema was built in Weston-super-Mare in 1935 (architect T. Cecil Hewitt) it must have looked like the future had arrived. Its size, its Art Deco/Streamline aesthetic, its presence on the street corner, and the virtual absence of ornament, all marked it as different from most of the buildings being erected around that year. Only some of the blocky "Moderne" houses with their flat roofs, horizontal windows and glazing bars, and their stark white paint could compete. The Odeon still looks great today. The faience tiles in basket weave pattern have lasted well, as has the original windows and glazing and the lettering on the tower. The crowning glory (literally) is the tower with its twelve short columns and flat roof, the climax of a necessary vertical accent among all the horizontals.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Olympus OMD E-M10