Take a nostalgic journey along Torbay Road...

Torquay’s iconic Pavilion made headlines again recently after recent pictures gave people a glimpse into its still impressive interior despite years of disuse and neglect.

Though still beautiful, it’s clear that a lot of work needs to be done before it becomes the  landmark it once was.

With this in mind, we thought we’d take you on a little tour back to its glory days with a journey along Torbay Road throughout the 20th century.

We are able to show you these wonderful historical photographs thanks to our valued partnership with Torquay Museum. 

PICTURE 1:

This first photograph shows an early view of the Pavilion Theatre’s front entrance. According to the museum, it opened over 110 years ago, on August 17, 1912, on land reclaimed from the sea for the Princess Gardens. Many famous artists performed there during its time as a concert hall and theatre before it hosted its final show in 1976. Demolition was proposed in the 1960s but never took place. 

However, the Pavilion’s interior was significantly altered for various amusements — first as a skating rink and then as a shopping arcade, which closed in 2013. 

Today, this unique Art Nouveau building remains a Grade II-listed structure, demonstrating its importance to the  area.

PICTURE 2

This image shows a postcard featuring an original oil painting of Waldon Hill and the Pavilion by Devon-born artist Herbert Truman. 

Truman was raised in Dawlish and later became friends with British Army officer, archaeologist, diplomat, and writer TE Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia. Though the date of this postcard is uncertain, the local history group Undiscovered Torbay believes a similar one to be dated around the early 1930s. 

A spokesperson for the group said: “We think it's most likely early 1930s. As secondary sources suggest, Herbert Truman (who died in 1957) wasn't active after 1933.” 

This postcard was donated to the museum alongside other colourful views of Torquay. Other postcards, documented and digitised by collections volunteer Janet, can be viewed on the museum’s Facebook page.

PICTURE 3

Moving ever so slightly further along the road, this photo shows seemingly content locals and holidaymakers lounging on deckchairs in the sun on Princess Parade and the Princess Gardens. 

Though we haven't found much information on this image, Cliff Screech said: “Bring the deckchairs back. They used to be lined up from Princess Pier to Torre Abbey Sands in the sixties, encouraging holidaymakers to stay and enjoy Torbay’s fantastic scenery.”

PICTURE 4

This photo shows an instance of rough sea outside the Palm Court Hotel on Torbay Road in the early 1960s. 

The hotel served the town for over 70 years but was derelict when it was destroyed by a fire in December 2010. It is now the glamorous Abbey Crescent, featuring apartments and restaurants. 

PICTURE 5 

One “unusual” image in the collection provides a rare perspective of Torbay Road and part of Torquay railway  station. The museum believes this photograph was likely taken from a hotel room in 1936 by visiting holidaymakers.

PICTURE 6

The final photo appears to show a bus crash on Torbay Road, on the Torquay side of Wheatridge Lane. 

Paul Tucker said: “The bus it hit was one of the replacement detachable-top VRs, which were S reg.” 

Douglas Mills replied: “1939? Driver Keith Richards. It happened on a Saturday afternoon. 

“Chief engineer of Torquay, Mr Tippet, was called out, as well as Jack Madge, who I believe was playing bingo in town.”

The museum is a registered charity, and the money raised from purchasing images goes to supporting vital work looking after the collections. Prints can be purchased by contacting the museum by email:

 enquiries@torquaymuseum.org