This film is part of Free

Construction of the Pier Pavilion at Herne Bay

There isn't a hard hat to be seen in this film about the construction of Herne Bay's Pier Pavilion - made by it's architect, John Clague

Amateur film 1976 18 mins Silent

From the collection of:

Logo for Screen Archive South East

Overview

John Clague's film begins with men constructing frames and laying concrete girders. Metal frames are assembled and lifted into place by a crane as we get an occasional glimpse of the sea beneath. Men in suits visit the site as more of the Pavilion is completed. On opening day, the Mayor and Mayoress chat with visitors while the sports hall and squash courts are seen in use. Decayed sections of the old pier are seen on the beach as well as the now isolated original landing stage.

John Clague was a keen amateur filmmaker who was based in Herne Bay. From 1934 to 1970 he produced annual newsreels showing events that had occurred in the Kent coast town and surrounding area. He used 9.5mm film at first but by the 1950s had adopted 16mm film, and the collection forms a lively chronicle of life in Herne Bay over several decades. An architect by profession, John set up his own company in the 1930s, working on a diverse range of projects including the replacement of Herne Bay's Grand Pavilion, which was destroyed by fire in 1970. The Pier Pavilion, seen in this film and nicknamed 'The Cowshed' by local residents, was officially opened by Edward Heath in September 1976 and was demolished in 2012.