The Pavillion Theatre built in 1897 as an addition is now all that remains of the original Morecambe Winter Gardens. One of the finest examples of Victorian theatre design, the lavishly decorative ceramics on entering were clearly intended to impress. The architects Magnall and Littlewood along with Frank Matcham acting as a consultant designed a theatre “where a mill girl could feel like a Duchess” in its opulent surroundings. During the period of our work there it was discovered the ceramics, previously attributed as Burmantofts, were in fact provided by the Campbell Tile Company of Stoke on Trent.  The Winter Gardens were closed in 1977 and all adjoining buildings containing the ballroom, bathing rooms etc were demolished in 1982. The theatre was given listed status in 1977 which prevented its destruction.  The Winter Gardens Trust run by a group of volunteers were able to purchase the building in 2006 since which time attempts to gain funds restore and modernise the theatre whilst conserving and restoring its original features, have begun to bear fruit.

The foyer and stairways which lead up to the two balconies have a remarkable array of unique ceramic decor, much specifically designed for this location. The seaside is echoed in the colour and shell motifs the recur throughout along with large sculptured panels depicting scantily clad ladies of sea and land. Cherubs of all sorts abound in sculptural form and embossments. These notably on the balustrades leading up the stairways where a series of winged cherubim lead you up to the  “gods”.  

The conservation and restoration work proceeded from the upper stairways downwards, a large amount of scaffold was put in to gain access to the tiled stairway walls and balustrades. Further scaffolding needed for the upper walls and ceilings in the foyer. There was a considerable accumulation of various kinds of dirt, dust, paint, tobacco tar, guano etc that needed to be taken of the glazed surfaces. After which the repairs to any damage were addressed. Some of this was due to impact either accidental or deliberate, there was also some damage, such as fracturing and cracks, due to historic structural movement and settlement. The treatment used varied depending on the nature of the damage. Conservation repairs were by and large the chosen method, however where the area of damage had resulted in an area of missing tiling then replica tiles were made that matched the originals in order that they should blend in seamlessly.