4 DECEMBER 2006 - WHETHER it was ice cream treats with parents, playing in the colonnades or simply staring at the Sun Pavilion in Harrogate's Valley Gardens this lovely art deco building evokes many memories.  And now there is a chance for people to purchase a limited edition print so that they can have a lasting reminder.

 

Local artist Simon A Balme has created a stunning watercolour of this wonderful old building and will be creating limited edition prints from the original.  The first print is being presented to Andrew Lane, Harrogate Borough Council's Sun Pavilion and Catering Services Manager who will give it pride of place in the building.

 

Just 350 prints are to be produced and Andrew hopes that people who have special memories of pleasant times at the Sun Pavilion, those planning a special event here, or those who just like looking at the building, will take up the offer to buy one of these prints.  "Many couples marrying at the Sun Pavilion are using images from the building and particularly its stunning leaded light roof to create their invitation cards or menu folders.  We are very grateful to Simon for so generously donating the first limited edition to the Sun Pavilion."

 

The reopening of the fully restored Sun Pavilion in 1998 marked the beginning of a new era for one of Yorkshire's most historic and romantic landmarks.  If the Valley Gardens are the gentle heart of Harrogate, the Sun Pavilion is said to be its soul.  For it is here, amongst stained glass and colonnades that the magic of Harrogate's more leisurely and sedate bygone past has been sensitively brought back to life.

 

The framed and signed limited prints cost £60 with free delivery in the local area and are available from Balme Studios on 01423 771671 or email balme.studios@amserve.com                    

 

NOTE TO EDITORS:  Simon, who now lives and works from his cottage just outside Hampsthwaite, specialises in watercolour paintings rich in colour and fine detail.  His favourites subjects include landscape and architecture weathered by time. Simon's work may be recognised by local residents, as the artist painted a watercolour of the Royal Hall, which is currently available as a signed limited edition print with 50% of the profits being donated to the Royal Hall Restoration Trust. 

 

He has recently taken time out of his schedule of paintings for exhibition and private commissions to paint this long planned watercolour of the Sun Pavilion to feature in one of his ongoing series of signed limited edition prints of his favourite Harrogate locations.