Apollo returns to glory

Jul 13 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

THE son of the creator of a controversial concrete landmark yesterday marked the completion of a £400,000 revamp of the structure.

The Apollo Pavilion, at Sunny Blunts Park in Peterlee, County Durham, has undergone a six-month programme of work to reinstate the structure’s original features and rejuvenate the surrounding park area.

Built in the 1960s, the pavilion was designed by artist Victor Pasmore to symbolise post-war simplicity and harmony and named in honour of the first manned moon mission in 1969, the year the structure was built.

Yesterday John Pasmore, son of Victor, unveiled a commemorative plaque.

Despite becoming a target for vandals in recent years and the object of a demolition campaign by some residents, the structure is now recognised as an internationally significant public artwork.

Last month Tyne and Wear Museums bought an abstract artwork by Victor Pasmore for £40,000 at an auction at Newcastle’s Anderson & Garland salerooms.