Seaside Pavilion

pa-vil-ion ~ noun
1. ornate tent
2. a. A light, sometimes ornamental roofed structure used for
amusement or shelter, as at parks or fairs: a picnic
pavilion.
b. A usually temporary structure erected at a fair or show
for use by an exhibitor: the French pavilion at the World's
Fair.
c. A large structure housing sports or entertainment
facilities; an arena.
3. A large structure or another building connected to a
larger building; an annex.
4. One of a group of related buildings forming a complex, as of a hospital.

(Middle English pavilon, from old French pavillon, from Latin papilio)

Pavilion may refer to a free-standing structure sited a short distance from a main residence, whose architecture makes it an object of pleasure. Large or small, there is usually a connection with relaxation and pleasure in its intended use. A pavilion built to take advantage of a view is referred to as a gazebo.

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Growing up in a beautiful seaside town on the south coast of England included many visits to the Pavilion - a now listed historic building classified under 2.c in the above description. Built in 1912, it's one of the few remaining examples of Victorian seaside architecture and combines a mix of Classical and Art Nouveau styles to create a splendid triumph of decorative frivolity.

On the cover of the official 1965 Torquay brochure looking down toward the harbour you can just see one of the Pavilion's green copper domes between the trees (beyond the sunbrellas).

Photo below from the same year - the Pavilion's gardens and promenade front the harbour providing sunny spots for relaxation in a deck chair. When I moved to the USA in 1962 those three monstrous blocks of flats had not been built, see the vintage sepia photo below. The stunning views across the bay from their windows command high prices!

Below, the Pavilion in December 1912 just a few months after opening.

In its heyday as a theatre with a stage, balconies, lounges and a cafe, an elegant atmosphere prevailed and the town founded a municipal orchestra with classical concerts and a Winter Orchestral Season was held. During the Christmas season the annual pantomime ran for several weeks, a special treat for the children. My favorite was Jack and the Beanstalk. Could this be the reason for my joy in raising large pots of climbing beans each Summer!

Another reason for my affinity toward this lovely building is that my mother worked here for many years during the 1960's. She was the manager of the theatre box office and her offices were on the right of the above photo, the windows where the couple is standing.

Later, following construction of a new modern theatre complex nearby and where my mother next worked, the Pavilion became the 'poor relation' turning into a bingo hall and then a faux 'ice skating rink' utilizing Glice, a Belgian invention manufactured in France.

The new larger capacity theater did bring top entertainers to town and my mother met many 'stars' including The Beatles, and shared many stories about the not so nice side of those in the entertainment business!

Below, view showing Tor Bay, Torquay harbour and Princess Gardens in 1914 with the Pavilion on the left.

Fountain in the Princess Gardens at the Pavilion - October 2007

Above, same fountain and gardens circa 1930's.

The Pavilion is built on a site formed partly from land reclaimed from the sea, on a concrete 'raft' weighing 1000 tons. The white facing tiles covering the exterior are Royal Doulton's carrara enamelled stoneware which, if replaced today, would cost almost $200 each! Scheduled for demolition (horrors!!!) in the early 1970's, the Pavilion was saved by energetic efforts of a group named Friends of the Pavilion ~ it was then listed as a building of special architectural and historic interest, thank goodness, and cannot be demolished.

The Pavilion is now what else but a 'shopping centre'. After extensive restoration work which fortunately respects its elegant past, it reopened in 1987.

Interior shots of the original beautiful ceilings and walls - October 2007

When officially opened in 1912 the Torquay Pavilion was touted as a 'Palace of Pleasure' to attract more visitors to the resort and to create a venue in which to hear music, see plays and meet friends. Its graceful proportions continue to evoke ideals of a gentler era. Each time I visit my home I always make it a point to stop at the Pavilion to reminisce and relive some of the wonderful childhood moments spent there,

I hope you enjoyed another visit to a special place in my hometown.

Who knows where we'll go next time - funny how a town is always so interesting after you leave!