Kursaal, Southend-on-Sea, Essex Giclée Travel Poster

Giclée travel poster of the Grade II listed Kursaal in Southend-on-Sea, depicted here in its Edwardian heyday. The Kursaal's was built in 1901, at a time when Southend was booming as a seaside resort town, and quickly became the largest fairground in southern England. Hosting rollercoasters, a minature railway, cinema, ballroom, variety of games, and even, for a time, Southend United Football Club, the Kursaal truly flourished in the first half of the 20th century. The rise of overseas holidays starting in the 1960s saw the Kursaal pivot into being primarily a music venue, hosting the likes of Black Sabbath, Queen, and AC/DC.

However, the Kursaal sadly slid into decline over the years, with outdoor amusements closed in 1973, the ballroom in 1977, and the building as a whole in 1986. Entertainments in the area shifted to the arcades on Marine Parade and to the newly-opened Peter Pan's Playground (now known as Adventure Island), just a short walk from the Kursaal itself. The Kursaal was reopened in the 1990s, though today hosts only a Tesco Express.

This Essex illustration by artist Tom Wisdom is a high-quality Giclée travel poster. For our classic art print of the Kursaal, click here.

12x16" print shown. Cropping and title position (if applicable) may differ slightly on 'A' size prints.