Coatham Pier, Redcar, North Yorkshire

Coatham Pier opened on 2nd June 1873 during the golden age of pier building, it included a 700-seat bandstand and separate landing stage.

From the beginning it had its fair share of boats crashing into it.  In 1880 the brig Luna started the trend, followed by the SS Cochrane which demolished the landing stage.  Next up was the schooner Amarant, then the bandstand at the pier-head burn down in 1898.

In 1907 a pavilion and ballroom were added and later extended.  My painting is based on photographs taken about that time.

The pier was split in 1940 because of the War, and there followed mine and storm damage, reducing its length to just 45 feet beyond the pavilion.

Redcar Borough Council bought the pier in 1946, but money was far too tight to restore the it to its former state.  Floods in 1953 caused further damage, but the Pier Ballroom remained open, staging dances and shows throughout the 50s and 60s until it became unsafe.

It was closed in 1980 and was demolished by the end of 1981.