Video: Preview of the Lakeside Splash
Nottingham Lakeside Arts will celebrate its 25th anniversary by virtually recreating how the site looked a century ago when it was a public outdoor swimming pool.
A virtual installation, which runs from June 17 until July 2, recreates Highfields Park Lido, the first lido to ever open in Nottingham and the largest in the country when it was constructed in 1924.
The lido, created by Boots founder Sir Jesse Boot, closed in 1980 to the public before the University of Nottingham bought the land and opened a gallery and visitor centre on the site in 1992.
The installation, called Lido to Lakeside, takes audiences along an interactive timeline of the site since it opened to the present day with memories and images of how it looked at different stages.
Shona Powell OBE, director of Lakeside Arts, said: “In arriving at a project which celebrates Lakeside’s first 25 years, we wanted to be reflective of the growth of our arts programme from a nationally respected exhibition programme to a multi-arts and cultural offering.
“We also wanted to reflect the university’s roots in philanthropic giving – originally though Jesse Boot – and the university’s ongoing commitment to its local community.
“The resultant commission uses new technology to reflect the past but deliver it in truly contemporary style.
“In choosing to contribute all proceeds from tickets to LifeCycle7, we are continuing the philanthropic approach which Jesse Boot began – we hope he would be proud.”
The University of Nottingham opened the Djanogly Gallery and Angear Visitor Centre to the public in 1992 after acquiring the land.
In 1994, the adjacent School of Music and Djanogly Recital Hall opened which completed the first stage of the arts centre.
In 2001, the Pavilion which includes the Djanogly Theatre opened with the galleries expanding 10 years later and the University Museum relocating to Lakeside.
The installation was made by artist Barret Hodgson.
