At Scarborough: The Futurist, History in the makin

Scarborough is a little place on the end of a train line. It never used to be like that, of course. The train line was built, because Scarborough spa waters boasted their medicinal powers and ignited the town as the first seaside spa town in the whole of England. Tourist came from all over the country. Important victorian architects invested, namely Joseph Paxton built the curvaceous spa building that stands today and the spa wall. He also built the Crystal Palace.

Frank Tugwell, another great architect, responsible for the building of the Savoy London also built the 1929 Futurist Theatre. The facade is, as is the Savoy London a piece of Architectural heritage and wonderment. It's hidden, but intact and repairable under a yellow facade. A recent investigation lifted the panels to assess the future of the building.

"Futurist Theatre Scarborough. As panels were lifted it became clear that, contrary to many reports, the original façade of the cinema is in better shape than thought and is eminently restorable. The main damage seems to be to the three 2nd floor windows just below the top of the cladding. But a surviving intact window within the balcony recess could easily be copied to replace the damaged sections. There was no evidence found that the steel framework of the building was blown. Damage caused by the fixings of the cladding support is superficial and, in most cases could be filled with an epoxy-resin compound. By co-incidence the company assessing the tiles, Shaw's of Darwin, recently completed extensive remedial work to the tiling at the Savoy Hotel in London. Frank Tugwell, the architect of the Futurist was, in 1929, the architect for the rebuilding of the Savoy Theatre - 8 years after completing the Futurist."

Patricia David, seen here on the right, is leading the campaign to save this theatre. the local council have decided that they see no future for the building. Many disagree, understanding the value and longevity of British Architecture and Heritage sites. I am sure Ken Dodd, appearing this evening at the Futurist would be saddened to know that this would be his last performance at his much loved sea side town. the Beatles, incidentally also played here. Connor knight also seen here on the left, holds a picture of the hidden building. They remain in hope of an investor to save the theatre and bring the building back to its original glory.

The Spa too, under threat incidentally.... A mass of rock amour to be piled up against it. These Victorian craftsmen may be turning in their graves at the short term vision decided for their masterpieces. X