Bombs gone but light is still shining

Nov 20 2007 by Dave Black, The Journal

A COASTAL defence complex which protected a Northumberland port town during two world wars has become a beacon in the winter darkness during a spectacular, month-long lighting show.

Blyth Battery – which has been described as one of the best surviving examples of an anti-aircraft battery on the east coast of England – is being illuminated every night during November to show off its enduring historical significance.

Between 5pm and 10pm each evening the collection of gun emplacements, searchlight shelters, an observation post, a rangefinder tower and an engine house is shining into the night sky from its location on the town’s seaside links.

Following on from the recent Blyth in a New Light festival, it was decided to use the battery as the canvas for a thought-provoking lights installation.

Commissioned by arts project Inspire and designed by Yorkshire-based lighting expert Jack Thompson, it features historic images of the town during wartime being projected on to the buildings, alongside abstract images and searchlights. Blyth Battery was built to defend the port and its submarine base in both world wars, and for years local council chiefs have been working on plans to revitalise the vandalised and graffiti-hit buildings. The listed buildings have been officially designated as ancient monuments.

Yesterday Mark Robinson, Blyth Valley Council’s cultural development officer, said: “Our long-term ambition is to conserve it as a visitor attraction and educational resource.

“We hope this lighting installation will raise awareness of the historical significance of the buildings and encourage local people to get involved in securing the battery’s future.”

Wendy Scott from Inspire added: “It is our role to identify opportunities where artists and designers can provide their unique perspectives that help us look at our architecture and public spaces in new and exciting ways.”