Statues - Hither & Thither

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Peasholm Gap

Bathing Belle

Craig Knowles
2008

Description

Galvanised steel statue of a female Victorian swimmer with a steel girder symbolising the constraints of the Victorian society, stepping down from a 'bathing machine'. The woman is also wearing an elaborate swimming costume that all women at the time were forced to wear to cover their body.
A 21st century female swimmer is the Diving Belle. The statues show the contrast between the tradition at the beginning of Scarborough's popularity as Spa resort and the present day.

'Bathing Belle' was unveiled 24 April 2008 and stood until c. 2017 on Westborough in front of Brunswick Shopping Center and was placed on the present location in 2019.

Inscription(s)

The Scarborough Belles

The Bathing Belle on Westborough (2008)
and
The Diving Belle on Vincent's Pier (2007)

Designed as a pair, celebrates Scarborough as the U.K.'s
first sea-bathing resort, from the 17th Century through
to her regeneration in the 21st Century

DONORS
Mr G Oxley
Mr W Burnard
Mr & Mrs D Stonehouse

Sculptor

Craig Knowles, English artist blacksmith from Sunderland (Facebook).

Sources & Information

The Scarborough News, 24 April 2008, New Bathing Belle statue has a quick dip in Scarborough - but then heads home.
Yorkshire Post, 25 April 2008, Bathing Belle helps resort look back to its spa town heyday.
The Scarborough News, 3 January 2019, Scarborough's Bathing Belle soon back on display at new location.

Locatie (N 54°17'33" - W 0°24'26") (Satellite view: Google Maps)

Item Code: gbyh208; Photograph: 1 August 2019
Of each statue we made photos from various angles and also detail photos of the various texts.
If you want to use photos, please contact us via the contact form (in Dutch, English or German).
© Website and photos: René & Peter van der Krogt

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