Weston Grand Pier

I shall be documenting the rebuild of Weston Super Mare's Grand Pier over the next twelve months.

Through regular visits I shall build a historical record of the steps that will see a magnificent new pavillion rise from the ashes of last year's tragic fire.

It's a fantastic priviledge to be involved. keep visiting my website and the official pier website for news and updates.

This is the official press release:

PHOTOGRAPHER TO CHRONICLE PIER RECONSTRUCTION

West Country photographer Chris Abbott has been given the task of recording the rebuilding of Weston’s Grand Pier for posterity and appointed as the official photographer of the rebuild.

Chris, from Somerset, will be chronicling work on the £34 million reconstruction stage by stage until its completion in 2010.

He will be given unique access to the site by pier owners Kerry and Michelle Michael to create a documentary record of the work.

“I feel very privileged to be involved in this historic project. It’s not everyone who gets to photograph a phoenix as she rises from the ashes.”

Chris was selected after the pier owners interviewed several local photographers to find the right one to commission.

Michelle Michael said: “We simply liked Chris’ work. We wanted someone that would capture the atmosphere of the rebuild as it is an event that will only happen once and we know that images will be so important to future generations.

“During the rebuild their may be opportunities to take pictures that people will be proud to hang on their wall as art and there will be events that show the people, equipment and work methods used.

“he has already captured some stunning images that show the massive piles that are being driven into the sea bed. This is the only time these will be seen on the surface and the pictures capture the scale of the work.”

Work to rebuild the pier is on target with support piles for the attraction’s new 85 metre observation tower currently being driven into the sea bed.

Father of two Chris, who studied photography at Bridgwater College, launched his business Chris Abbott Photography two years ago.

To find out more about Chris Abbott’s work visit: www.chrisabbottphotography.com