THE campaign to rebuild Colwyn Bay’s famous pier in all its former glory takes a step further this month with the charity screening of an acclaimed film.
The documentary - Eric Ravilious - Drawn to War, directed by Margy Kinmonth, is the life story of renowned war artist Eric Ravilious. He was killed in an air crash during the second world war but not before he’d completed hundreds of paintings. They included some striking murals for Colwyn Bay’s old Victoria Pier; Ravilious painted murals alongside Mary Adshead. Prior to its dismantling [gales badly damaged the pier in 2017], some of the panels containing the murals were saved by Conwy County Borough Council and their restoration - or a homage to his work - form part of the trust's future plans to extend the current truncated pier.
Colwyn Bay Pier Trust have arranged a showing of the film at the town’s Theatr Colwyn on Thursday, September 7 at 7pm. All proceeds will go towards returning the pier to the town.
A spokesperson for the pier trust said: "The trust are determined to keep the memory of the pier and its history alive and are pleased to hold the event at Theatre Colwyn in Colwyn Bay.
"Ravilious was presumed dead 81 years ago on 2nd September 1942 yet his art is still loved the world over. His work continues to inspire young artists and the Trust have been approached by a local digital artist Livi Wilmore who is working on an artistic and immersive experience to be held on the pier at a later stage.
"Livi will be on hand at the screening to discuss the project which is currently being developed which will also bring the works of Eric Ravilious to life."
The film includes contributions from two of Ravilious's most ardent fans - playwright Alan Bennett and artist Grayson Perry.
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Tickets for the film are on sale online at www.theatrcolwyn.co.uk or telephone the box office on 01492 556677/872000.
Anyone who can’t attend the showing but would like to support the campaign to bring back the pier are invited to donate to office@pierbaecolwyn.org
There is also a donation button on the campaign’s website or donations can be left at the pier’s charity shop in Station Road, Colwyn Bay.
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