The Washerwoman

Sunday 22 April 2012

Hilsea Lido. Work in progress............


   I have always loved the 1930's and last week I got the chance to visit one of the few remaining Art Deco lido's in this country. Hilsea Lido was built in the 1930's and after many decades of being loved and enjoyed it has fallen into disrepair over the past few years.


 However, all is not lost and work is being carried out to restore this wonderful slice of history to its former glory.


Changing huts....


crumbling concrete fountain which would originally have aerated the water for the pool, now planted with flowers.


I look forward to watching the restoration progress, and who knows I might get to enjoy a swim there in the future!

10 comments:

Lyn said...

How lovely, it will be great when it is all done.
xxx

Unknown said...

That looks lovely Liz, where abouts is it? dee xx

ted and bunny said...

the name lido is such a delight in itself isn't it- an Art Deco word without even seeing the building.

If you go for a swim there I trust you'll be wearing your 3-ply knitted bathing costume!!

Maria said...

What a treat to fall upon your blog! Loved looking at all your vintage pictures.....xxx Happy mondayxx

Bluebell said...

Hi, it was lovely reading about Hilsea Lido, my parents lived in Cosham through the 2nd World War and when we went on holiday in later life they showed me the Lido.
Where I grew up (Droitwich Worcs) there is a wonderful Art Deco Lido that was falling into disrepair the last time I saw it. So sad.
Jill

BusyLizzie said...

Great comments, thank you. Must get a snazzy vintage costume (NOT Knitted!)
Lizzie

The Vintage Knitter said...

That's great, another little vintage treasure saved :-)
We're lucky as we have the Sandford Lido here in Cheltenham. Just the place to lounge around wearing my 50s cossie whilst Husband teaches Monkeychild to swim.

Trixie@ the vintage bothy said...

Cheltenham & Chipping Norton have thriving lido's in fact I remember us having an outdoor pool here, now long gone in favour of housing. I spent many a childhood afternoon in the one in Teignmouth and I love the seawater pool in Brixham,which I believe they are trying to re-open. I always think that it is such a shame if these pools are not saved, they are fab.

BusyLizzie said...

Thank you both for your lido comments, good to know there are still some out there being used! There is a function room at Hilsea.. maybe the place for a 30's themed Vintage fair!!

Used-to-Bees said...

When I was about thirteen I hopped on a bus with a couple of friends and went to Hilsea Lido for a swim. The chill has only just left my bones! I'm glad to read it is being renovated though!
x