Pavilion ballroom laced with history (From Penarth Times)

Pavilion ballroom laced with history

8:20am Sunday 7th February 2010

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A BEAUTIFUL collection of lace from the 1940’s is the latest contribution to the Marina Ballroom project.

The scheme, launched in November, aims to uncover the history of Penarth Pier Pavilion during its heyday as the ‘Marina Ballroom’.

Experts in textiles, fashion, hair, music and dance styles will hold a number of workshops demonstrating old skills - with around twenty young volunteers expected to meet older community members to talk to them about what it was like to attend social occasions at the Pavilion.

Costume designer and project tutor Lois Stewart says local residents have been quick to respond to a request in the Penarth Times for memorabilia.

Ms Stewart recently visited Penarth resident Pam Curtis, who was a frequent visitor to the ballroom in the 1950s and 1960s, and whose mother was a gifted amateur seamstress and dressmaker.

In 1989, Mrs Curtis opened a bridal shop in Albert Road and began collecting pieces of antique lace.

Lois said: “Mrs Curtis has managed to put together a fascinating selection of original fabrics.

“Several pieces of crochet lace and a 1940’s crepe du Chine day dress have been contributed to the project, together with crochet patterns from magazines of the time and books on bridal designs.

”These items will help demonstrate just how clothes were made seventy years ago.”

Managed by Penarth Arts & Crafts Ltd (PACL), the organisation behind refurbishment of the Penarth Pavilion, the ballroom project will culminate in an exhibition.

PACL was awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Wales grant of £99,600 in November to develop detailed plans for the multi-million pound facelift, as well as a grant of £800,000 from the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Plans for the 80-year-old building include the development of cafe, observatory and multi-purpose community area.

An exhibition of fashion styles will run at the Washington Gallery with a video diary of the project and a final retro dance being held at the Paget Rooms in late 2010.

Penarth Times readers who have memories of the 1940s ballroom, clothes from the time, or who would like to be involved in the project either as a young volunteer (15 to 25 years old) or an adult helper should contact the Washington Gallery on 029 2071 2100 or email: contact@penarthpavilion.co.uk

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