The Polluted Lake.

I was in Museum and Art Swindon this morning for a meeting about the next co- curated art exhibition that I’m involved with.

If you meet anyone from Swindon, they will always be able to tell you about the diving board at Coate Water. It’s an iconic structure in Swindon. This painting is one of the pictures in the Unlocking Collections exhibition. It was very exciting when we unwrapped it in the store room- everyone immediately had a reaction to it.

The Polluted Lake
by George Reason (1901-84)
1969
Oil on board
This painting captures a decaying structure in bleak surroundings. The notice that 'bathing in lake is forbidden was due to water pollution and led to the neglect of the Art Deco diving stage. Although swimming is still not allowed in the reservoir at Coate Water, the diving board itself has recently been brought back to its former glory.
Gifted by the artist, 1969


https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2373900789811775695