Blackpool’s New Summer Season… at Wellington Arch

It’s not just the Olympics that will attract visitors to London this summer – but a unique view of Blackpool.

Our world famous resort is featuring in a new exhibition which celebrates the architecture of entertainment - Blackpool style!

Blackpool: Wonderland of the World is the title of an exhibition, the exhibition opened at the Quadriga Gallery, Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner on  4 July and it runs until 27 August. It’s set to celebrate the heritage, history, magic and glamour of the resort, which at one time was rivalled only by London in the variety of shows on offer.

The exhibition is being staged in partnership with Blackpool Council and will focus on two of the Council’s top venues – Blackpool Tower and the Winter Gardens. Using posters, prints and photographs from the archives, the exhibition charts the history of these listed buildings from their design and construction through to recent restoration work and plans for the future.

The Silver Tower (usually on the Silver Landing at Blackpool Tower) is the star attraction but the Winter Gardens is well represented with stunning new photography by Sean Conboy and a range of remarkable images and artifacts.

The exhibition also provides as window on Blackpool’s  remarkable development  as a resort. At the beginning of the 19^th century it was a small village with fewer than 500 inhabitants. A century later it had claimed its place as a top seaside resort and show business capital with three piers and 20,000 theatre seats a night.

Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said: “Blackpool revolutionised the British holiday, providing people with an all-encompassing entertainment experience. This exhibition celebrates the architecture of the quintessential British seaside resort and looks at the role this heritage can play in Blackpool’s future.” 

And if the exhibition wasn't enough..... Look out for the two illuminated crown's on the Wellington Arch itself, made by Blackpool Illuminations as part of the exhibition and the first time the Illuminations have ever been to London.  See the image below for the amazing effect...

So... what are you waiting for???????

Opening Times: 

The Quadriga Gallery and Wellington Arch is open Wednesdays to Sundays and on Bank Holidays, 10am-5pm. The Arch may close to install new exhibitions, please call in advance or check the website  for latest information.

 www.english-heritage.org.uk/wellingtonarch

Prices:

Adult: £4.00

Concession: £3.60

Child: £2.40

Admission is free for English Heritage members.

Location:

Wellington Arch (W1J 7JZ) stands between Hyde Park and Green Park. The nearest underground station is Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line).