An exciting new three-year creative project celebrating the history of Jubilee Pool, Penzance will bring together Cornwall-based media production company awen productions CIC, artist Dr Jane Bailey and Jubilee Pool Penzance to deliver Jubilee Pool: Then, Now, To Come.

With funding from Heritage Lottery, Arts Council England, the Tanner Trust and Falmouth University, the project will look at the past, present and future of the pool and will involve the local community, schools and volunteer groups.

The project is now looking to recruit a group of participants to help gather, record and understand the lido’s stories, photos and memorabilia.

Awen director Lou Brett said: “Centring around Jubilee Pool’s rich cultural heritage as a source of knowledge and inspiration, the project will create a new digital Jubilee Pool archive, exhibitions, films, screenings, talks and a new book.

"We are now on the lookout for people’s photos and stories of the pool, as well as people to help us research the history of the pool and surrounding area.”

The Jubilee Pool is one of the oldest and largest salt water lidos in the UK and reopened in 2016 after major refurbishment and restoration following storm damage.

Angie Butler of Friends of Jubilee Pool added: “Our wonderful outdoor Jubilee Pool has had its highs and lows since it was opened to celebrate the silver jubilee of King George V in 1935. This year the tide has turned and we are reaching for the biggest high in its history. Not only with a geothermal future but an archive, films, book and digital presence, which will celebrate its past and document the stories and hopes of the people who love it.”

If you have an interest in local history or the arts, or just love the pool, and would like to join the Jubilee Pool research group, email florence@awen.org.uk. The opportunity will include training and research visits and the chance to help build a new archive.

The group’s first meeting will be on Saturday, March 24, in Penzance. To keep informed, visit awen.org.uk and sign up for the awen newsletter.

*Jubilee Pool memories: Can you name any of the people in these photos? Do you remember the events at which they might have been taken? Let awen know via email at florence@awen.org.uk.