Right. (left) Here's the Campanile of Venice, completed as it looks now, in 1514. When it fell down in 1902 the Italians decided to rebuild it "com’era, dov’era" i.e. as it was, where it was, bless their sensible hearts. And what a joy it is. Well done, Italians! |
| |
Weymouth Sea Life Tower -
Utilitarian, yet useless. Tall, yet contemptible. Intended as a tourist attraction, yet repellent in every way.
The best that can be said of it is that it blends nicely with the surroundings - in this case scaffolding, vans and Keep Out signs.
It has a ridiculous doughnut-shaped thing that you can go into and which goes up and down the tower, costing £22.50 a time for a 10 minute ride during which you are pestered to buy various nasty souvenirs of your foolishness.
Lastly here is a tower constructed by me entirely out of things waiting to be ironed. The largest man-made structure in the district and now visible from outer space, it is both a danger to shipping and an internationally recognised landmark. Result.
It isn't a very cheerful sight, but at least it's an achievement.
Venetians, not Italians, please!
ReplyDeleteYou did not mention that you made the basket !
DeleteYes you are right. Sorry. I meant 'Well done Venetians.'
DeleteYes I was wrong about the Laundry Tower as well, it rests on foundations which are not made of items waiting to be ironed but of finest Somerset willow.
Do you not agree that the Campanile impresses favourably only because it harmonises with its setting? Were it to find itself in Weymouth it would look ridiculous, out of place, perhaps even ugly.
ReplyDeleteThe Weymouth tower in its sparse, simple function of taking people's money in exchange for the novelty of a view is completely at one within its context. It harmonises perfectly with the amusement arcades, sandcastles and holidaymakers with children who spend their days wandering about looking for something to do.
It is a worthy contender for a Turner Prize.
I sense the views of Ms G. Greer and others of her ilk have not found a favourable reception within the basket's immediate vicinity.
Well I'd prefer to see the Campanile than the Weymouth Sea Life Tower anywhere but I admit that it is enhanced by its Venetian setting. And I agree that the Weymouth one's appearance is in keeping with its sordid purpose but I have no wish to have it forcing its presence or its purposes on my consciousness when I go to Weymouth. The fact that it could win the Turner Prize is testament to the flaws in the Turner Prize committee.
ReplyDeleteMs G Greer had better keep her distance as I don't want her or her ilk anywhere near my laundry or anything else that is mine.
You must go to Ilfracombe and see the new statue which will greet you at the harbour. Then you will have some material, I feel sure.
ReplyDelete