AN EXHIBITION based on the history of the Droitwich Spa Lido began last Friday (May 23) and will be on display throughout the summer.
The unique and informative collection – created by Droitwich Air Cadets and supported by Wychavon District Council – was inspired by the extensive history of the Lido.
To get the information, the cadets interviewed Droitwich residents about their memories of the outdoor pool and used the archives at The Hive to find out all they could about what the Lido was like in 1935, when it first opened, along with in the 1940s and 50s.
The display features three interpretation boards with images and newspaper articles of the time, along with original bathing costumes of the 1950s.
An audio post sees samples of the interviews played and saloon style changing room doors give swimmers the feel of being at the Lido in the 1940s and 50s.
Among the themes have been the impact of the weather, the Aquabats (acrobatic and burlesque diving experts from the 1940s), the formation of the swimming club and school lessons.
Jenny Davis, Wychavon District Council’s arts development officer, said it was an amazing way for the town to show off its wonderful memories of the Lido, which was such an iconic part of the town’s history.
“It’s also a brilliant opportunity for young people to learn about their history and to see how researching from archives and using up-to-date sound recording equipment with the interviews can really bring an exhibition to life.
“It also gives the public an opportunity to learn more about the Lido in an interesting way.”
Lisa Kimberley, the project manager of the Droitwich Sea Bathing Lido Exhibition, said the collection provided a playful insight and celebration into times gone by and the classic art deco of the Sea Bathing Lido.
Sam Cooper and Gwyndaf Wheeler of the Droitwich Air Cadets said it was a long but rewarding project.
“To see the exhibition go from being a model of our ideas to the finished thing is brilliant.”
The exhibition will run until September 7 and can be viewed by all those buying tickets to the Lido.
After that, it will tour other museums around Worcestershire.
Email [email protected] or call Jenny Davis on 01386 565396 for more on the project.
The exhibition will be on display until September. s
