Art installations in unusual locations have become something of a Bristol speciality of late, with empty cathedrals, police cells and even disused toilets being employed as temporary galleries. For two weekends only in Bishopston, it’s the turn of an old swimming pool to play host to an exhibition.
The Deep End is a “fully immersive exhibition of art and common sense” taking place in the former Bristol North Baths on Gloucester Road.
Inside, art lines the walls around the old pool, with a rocket last seen hitting the roof of the RWA for its graffiti exhibition protruding from one row of seats, two “hoodies” sitting opposite, and a giant plug that has presumably drained all of the water.
It is the first time in seven years that the doors to the baths have been opened, and the very last time the swimming pool will be seen in its original form as work is due to commence later this month on turning the building into a new community health centre and library.
It was rather thrilling to walk in yesterday for an unscheduled opening of the exhibition, which also features some of the plans for what the swimming pool will become. The Deep End is as much about seeing the Edwardian building with many of its original features still intact as about seeing the artwork,.
“Edwardian engineering was built to last,” The Deep End website proclaims. “Come and admire the majestic 100-year-old building, coupled with some of the most vibrant art coming out of Bristol today.”
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