Planned work to start taking Blackpool’s Tide Organ artwork down
Written by John Williamson on 03/12/2021
Following the successful completion of a full refurbishment for Blackpool’s iconic Mirror Ball on South Promenade, work will start on taking down the Tide Organ on Monday, 13 December 2021.
The Tide Organ by Liam Curtin and John Gooding is one of a range of art works originally commissioned by Blackpool Council at the start of the millennium and make up ‘The Great Promenade Show’.
Recent surveys of the Tide Organ outline the impact the hostile seaside environment has had on the work that is made of steel/metal. The art work was originally commissioned with the intention of it having a 15 year life-span and it has done well to last beyond this period.
Specialist contractors will be undertaking the work which should take no longer than a week but will be weather dependent. The artist has been consulted and informed of the work taking place. It is also planned to de-commission ‘The Frankenstein Project’ by artist Tony Stallard early in 2022.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council said, “We know the art works on South Promenade have entertained thousands of visitors and local people over the years but we are following professional advice that the Tide Organ now needs to come down to ensure it does not become unsafe. We value the unique contribution artists can make to our own community and the council will continue to be ambitious in commissioning a range of artists when opportunities arise. We are proud of the art works people can enjoy on the seafront from the international award winning ‘Comedy Carpet’ by Gordon Young to our latest sculptures ‘Call of the Sea’ by Laurence Payot and the tram benches by Andy Hazell on Talbot Square.”
