Leo Martínez
Blackpool Tower is a symbol of architectural marvel and a testament to the rich history and culture of the Fylde coastline region. The tower is usually painted in dark red, though it was painted gold in 1994 for its centenary. It takes seven years to paint the tower, and painters must climb 563 steps from the roof of the building to the top. In 2012, a £6 million renovation project was undertaken to strip and repaint the tower, requiring the use of a powerful jet washer and a Kevlar suit for protection. While the exact amount of paint used to cover Blackpool Tower is unclear, the tower's steel and cast iron structure weighs a combined total of 2,583 tons, providing a substantial surface area for paint coverage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | 518 feet 9 inches (158.12 meters) |
| Weight of steel used in construction | 2,490 tons |
| Weight of cast iron used in construction | 93 tons |
| Time taken to paint the tower | 7 years |
| Number of steps from the roof of the building to the top | 563 |
| Number of years between renovations | 8 years |
| Year the tower was painted gold | 1994 |
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What You'll Learn
The history of Blackpool Tower
Blackpool Tower, initially referred to as the Blackpool Eiffel Tower, was founded by the London-based Standard Contract & Debenture Corporation in 1890. The company bought an aquarium on Central Promenade with the intention of building a replica of the Eiffel Tower on the site. The Blackpool Tower Company put its shares on sale in July 1891, with the whole of page 6 of The Financial Times of 25 July 1891 dedicated to the prospectus.
The foundation stone of the Blackpool Tower was laid on 25 September 1891, marked by processions, speeches, and a banquet for about 150 esteemed guests. The tower was designed and constructed using five million Accrington bricks, 3,478 long tons (3,534 t) of steel, and 352 long tons (358 t) of cast iron, at a total cost of about £290,000. The tower stands at 518 feet and 9 inches (158.12 m) tall, with a flagpole at its summit.
On the day the Blackpool Tower opened, 3,000 customers took the first rides to the top, paying sixpence for admission, sixpence for a ride in the lifts, and another sixpence for the circus. The first members of the public to ascend the tower were local journalists in September 1893, who climbed using constructors' ladders. The Blackpool Tower Ballroom, renowned for its unique sprung dance floor and spectacular architecture, opened in 1894 and remains a destination for dance fans from across the globe. The circus first opened to the public on 14 May 1894, with admission set at 6d.
The tower caught fire in 1897, with the platform visible up to 50 miles (80 km) away. The tower was not painted properly during its first thirty years and became corroded, leading to discussions about demolishing it. However, it was decided to rebuild it, and all the steelwork in the structure was replaced between 1920 and 1924. In 1940, during World War II, the crow's nest was removed to allow the structure to be used as a Royal Air Force radar station. In 1949, a post box was opened at the top of the tower.
In 1956, the hydraulic lifts and winding gears to the top of the tower were replaced, and this work was repeated in 1992. In 1994, the tower was painted gold by abseiling painters to commemorate its centenary year, a departure from its usual dark red colour. In 1998, a "Walk of Faith" glass floor panel was opened at the top of the tower, weighing half a tonne and made up of two sheets of laminated glass. The Blackpool Tower Big Band was reformed in 2001 after a 25-year absence, and in 2005, the Empress Orchestra became resident in the ballroom.
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Previous paint jobs
Blackpool Tower, inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, opened to the public on 14 May 1894. Standing at 518 feet (158 metres) tall, it was the tallest man-made structure in the British Empire at the time.
During its first thirty years, the Tower was not painted properly and became corroded, leading to discussions about demolishing it. However, it was decided to rebuild it instead, and all the steelwork was replaced and renewed between 1920 and 1924.
Over the years, the Tower has undergone several renovations and paint jobs to preserve its structural integrity and maintain its iconic appearance. Here is a look at some of the previous paint jobs:
1920-1924: During this period, the Tower underwent significant restoration work. All the steelwork in the structure was replaced due to corrosion and neglect. This was a major undertaking that took almost four years to complete.
1953: A photograph from 1953 shows a worker painting the Tower, balanced high above the street and beach on the struts of the Tower, 500 feet up in the air.
1956: Hydraulic lifts and winding gears to the top of the Tower were replaced during this year.
1992: The lifts and winding gear were replaced once more in 1992. The tower complex was renamed Tower World and was opened by Diana, Princess of Wales.
1994: To commemorate its centenary year in 1994, the Tower was painted gold by abseiling painters, a departure from its usual dark red colour.
2008 onwards: In 2008, scaffolding affectionately known as the "bandage" by locals was installed to facilitate restoration work. Over several years, old paint was stripped away using high-pressure water jets, and sections of rusted ironwork were replaced and repainted with contemporary, weatherproof paint in the Tower's traditional "red-lead" colour.
Painting the Tower is no small feat, as it typically takes seven years to complete the task. The workers who brave this monumental challenge are known as "Stick Men".
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The painting process
Blackpool Tower is usually painted a dark shade of red, except for its centenary year in 1994 when it was painted gold by abseiling painters. The tower's steelwork was replaced and renewed between 1920 and 1924 due to corrosion, and it was repainted.
The maintenance workers who undertake this task are known as "Stick Men". They must climb the 563 steps from the roof of the building to the top, where they perform the necessary maintenance and painting work. The workers are often strapped to the tower for safety, and in the past, they wore suits while painting, as seen in photographs from the 1950s and 1960s.
The tower's height and exposure to the coastal climate present unique challenges for its preservation and painting process. The structure is designed to gently sway in heavy winds, which can reach speeds that cause the top of the tower to sway by an inch. This movement, along with the height, makes the painting process a complex and time-consuming task, requiring careful planning and execution.
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The challenges of preservation
The Blackpool Tower, an iconic landmark on the Fylde coastline, is a symbol of architectural marvel and a testament to the rich history and culture of the region. However, preserving a grand structure like the Blackpool Tower has presented several challenges over the years.
One of the main challenges has been the constant exposure to the coastal climate, which has taken a toll on the Tower's structure. The salty air and sandy winds have caused paintwork peeling and rusting, particularly on the steel and cast iron elements of the Tower. In fact, as early as 1897, just three years after its construction, the top of the Tower caught fire, likely due to the coastal climate conditions. This incident highlighted the need for proper maintenance and preservation of the structure.
Another challenge has been the sheer size and scale of the Tower, which makes any conservation or restoration work a monumental task. With a height of 518 feet, the Tower is an imposing structure. Painting the Tower, for instance, takes approximately seven years to complete, and the workers have to climb 563 steps from the roof of the building to the top to carry out this task. Similarly, when the steelwork was replaced between 1920 and 1924 due to corrosion, it took almost four years to complete this extensive refurbishment.
The preservation of the Blackpool Tower is not just about maintaining a historical monument but also honouring the memories and traditions it holds. The Tower has a rich history, having been inspired by the Eiffel Tower and constructed using millions of bricks, thousands of tons of steel, and cast iron. It has also undergone various transformations over the years, such as being painted gold in 1994 for its centenary and silver in 1977 for the Queen's Silver Jubilee.
One of the key challenges in preserving the Tower has been balancing its historical integrity with modern conservation techniques. For example, during the recent restoration work, years of old paint were stripped away using high-pressure water jets, and sections of rusted ironwork were replaced. The cleaned and repaired metalwork was then repainted with contemporary, weatherproof paint in the Tower's traditional 'red-lead' colour. This careful combination of traditional aesthetics and modern functionality ensures that the Blackpool Tower remains a beloved and well-maintained landmark for years to come.
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The future of the tower
Blackpool Tower is a symbol of architectural marvel and a testament to the rich history and culture of the region. It has been a successful attraction since it opened to the public in 1894, creating employment and revenue for the town. The tower is usually painted in dark red, except for its centenary year in 1994 when it was painted gold. The top of the structure was painted silver for the Queen's Jubilee celebrations in 1977.
Over the years, the tower has weathered the storm, showing serious signs of fire damage, deterioration, and neglect. In 1920, it was decided that the structure would be preserved, and the defective steelwork was replaced. Various other restoration works were undertaken, including the replacement of the hydraulic lifts and winding gears in 1956 and 1992. In 2008, scaffolding was installed to facilitate restoration work, and in 2015, the front elevation of the building was completed with its name in lights.
In 2010, Blackpool Council bought the tower, bringing it into public ownership for the first time and transforming it into a tourist attraction fit for the 21st century. The council has worked with Merlin Entertainments to redevelop the tower, adding various attractions, including a new Dungeon attraction and an observation deck called the Blackpool Tower Eye.
The future of Blackpool Tower looks bright, with continued preservation and conservation efforts to maintain this historical monument and honour the memories and traditions it holds. The tower remains an iconic landmark on the Fylde coastline and a symbol of Blackpool both in the UK and overseas.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 70 tons of paint to cover Blackpool Tower.
On average, it takes seven years to paint the tower.
Blackpool Tower is traditionally painted in a
The painters climb 563 steps from the roof of the building to the top of the tower.
