Description
However, the move from the bull baiting of 'Merrie England' to the ordered recreation provided by bandstands has never been fully comprehended. Likewise, the extent of changes in leisure and public entertainment and the impact of music at seaside resorts often revolved around the use of seaside bandstands, with the subsequent growth of coastal resorts. Music in public spaces, and the history and heritage of the bandstand has largely been ignored. Yet in their heyday, there were over 1,500 bandstands in the country, in public parks, on piers and seaside promenades attracting the likes of crowds of over 10,000 in the Arboretum in Lincoln, to regular weekday and weekend concerts in most of London's parks up until the beginning of the Second World War. Little is really known about them, from their evolution as 'orchestras' in the early Pleasure Gardens, the music played within them, to their intricate and ornate ironwork or art deco designs and the impact of the great foundries, their worldwide influence, to the great decline post Second World War and subsequent revival in the late 1990s. This book tells the story of these pavilions made for music, and their history, decline and revival.
About the Author
Paul Rabbitts is a qualified landscape architect and is currently Head of Parks for a local authority.
Reviews
Paul Rabbitt's splendid book is dedicated to both their social and architectural glory. ... Impeccably researched and presented, it is a lovingly dedicated tribute to a very peculiar combination of practical, artistic engineering. ... Wonderful images showcase the cornucopia of structures and designs (and so many of the examples in the book are truly remarkable), as well as capturing a snapshot of the listening habits of the public throughout the generations.
Iwan Fox, 4 Bars Rest
... The extensive gazetteer of both existing and lost bandstands that concludes the book is ample testimony to the years of dedicated research and investigation that Paul Rabbitts has undertaken.
Sally Williams, London Landscapes
Paul Rabbitts is a true (and extremely knowledgeable) enthusiast, and his book combines social, architectural, horticultural and musical history, generously illustrated with highly evocative photographs from the author's own collection.
A Magazine for RIBA Friends of Architecture
'A book for savouring, it will repay close reading for a wider historical understanding of the place of music in entertainment and leisure, and its role in the democratic nature of public parks.'GR Arnold, Context
Book Information
ISBN 9781848023727
Author Paul Rabbitts
Format Paperback
Page Count 248
Imprint Historic England
Publisher Historic England
