Living in Devon, a holiday destination, the region where I live is considered an area of beauty, and the South West is thought of by visitors in terms of picture postcard, typically picturesque images. Landscape photographers are increasingly aware of the other ‘side’ of holiday destinations; for example, human poverty existing in close proximity to a much-visited attraction. However, the reality is often not as clear cut. Visitors do not often think about the existence of the attractions themselves outside of the holiday season, many of which will struggle financially if the season is beset by inclement weather or a rise in popularity of a different destination.

At the time of starting this project, I had no idea that the COVID-19 pandemic would decimate many businesses during 2020, and whilst there was a boom in UK travel as people were unable to travel abroad, UK tourist attractions did not necessarily reap the financial benefits due to government restrictions on which could remain open at certain times. Thus, when I first started photographing Tinside Lido in Plymouth during the 2019 summer season, I was expecting to see a lull in activity through the winter, with a summer boom and a subsequent return to inactivity. The reality turned out to be somewhat different, with the lido seeming to me to become a metaphor for the fortunes of the city during this uncertain time.