A GROUP of friends has been formed to help a continuing campaign to highlight a controversial work of public art – and have it declared a listed building.
The formation of the Friends of the Apollo Pavilion comes a year after the structure – built in the Sixties as a focal point for the new town Peterlee, in County Durham – was given a £400,000 makeover.
Among the first supporters of the friends is Tate Gallery director Sir Nicolas Serota.
He wrote: “Victor Pasmore’s Apollo Pavilion at Peterlee was a pioneering work which has stood the test of time.
“Pasmore’s vision for a more humane environment in the post-war world is one with which we an still identify.
“Pasmore saw the pavilion as a focal point in this community and I strongly support the Friends’ Association in realising his ambition.”
The pavilion, also known as the Pasmore Pavilion, was critically acclaimed, but attracted vandalism and anti-social behaviour before its revamp.
Apollo Pavilion Community Association chairman David Taylor- Gooby said: “We have set up the friends so that everyone who loves Victor Pasmore’s creation can play a part in sustaining its wellbeing and ensuring that it remains prominent in the public eye.
“What we are trying to do is revisit his original vision by setting up a fund to have activities around it – and making it a focal point for the community.”
Mr Taylor-Gooby said a range of activities had been held at the pavilion with the support of Durham County Council and more were planned, including a heritage open day on September 11.
Being a friend can cost as little as £3 a year. For further information, visit apollopavilion.info
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