Jubilee Pool

Bright silk flags wave jubilantly above and historic photos line the edges of the white washed walls, as you enter the largest seawater pool left standing in Britain.

Built upon a traditional bathing spot at the Battery Rocks near the harbour in Penzance, it was cleverly designed back in the early 1930's to cope with the full ferocity of the Cornish seas. Triangular in shape with cool, gentle curves and St Michaels mount soaring from the sea behind the pool, it provides a fabulous venue for swimming, sunbathing or simply relaxing.

A popular amenity for over 50 years, by 1992 the pool had fallen into ruin to the extent that its future was in doubt. A retired local architect John Clarke, was alarmed when a proposal to build a copper coloured pyramid structure over the pool, and The Jubilee Pool Association was formed, and thanks to his direct input the pool was listed.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year the lido has been a constant source of inspiration to local photographers and artists for many years. Drawing on its sweeping art deco curves and bright blue modernist lines, its quite a sight and easy to see why it's easy to believe its perched on the edge of the Mediterranean.

"In many respects the design is unique architecturally, partly from a point of view of necessity in conforming with existing conditions of wave elements and rocks which controlled the outline. Streamlines have been used to the greatest advantage in meeting the direction of the storm waves, while a Cubist style has been adopted in the interior in providing diving platforms and steps. The whole pool is surrounded by high streamlined sea walls terraced up within the interior so as to give aspect and effect."

Open every summer from the end of May through to early September this year there are plenty of cultural celebrations taking place to re focus attention back on the pool.

www.jubileepool.co.uk