Olivier Grossetête monumental construction to come to Weston!
“As North Somerset Council’s project to restore Birnbeck Pier continues, this installation is a joyous and playful opportunity to collaborate with an international artist, bring the community together, connect and create something extraordinary”
This autumn, a giant cardboard installation inspired by the historic Grade II* Listed Birnbeck Pier will take shape in Weston-super-Mare’s Prince Consort Gardens.
The temporary artwork will give local communities a unique, hands-on role in celebrating the pier and engaging with its unique history, as its major restoration, led by North Somerset Council, continues. Click here to read more about the Birnbeck Pier Project.
Created by world-renowned visual artist Olivier Grossetête, the collaborative project invites the local community to help build, erect, and deconstruct the monumental structure, as they learn about some of the remarkable stories associated with the amazing piece of heritage.
Everyone is welcome to contribute to the creation of the cardboard pier project, which will take place across three stages:
- Friday 18 to 25 September 2026 – Construction Workshops: Free drop-in sessions where communities help make the parts for the monument.
- Saturday 26 September 2026 – Build it up: A collective building effort at Prince Consort Gardens to bring the pier to life.
- Sunday 27 September 2026 – Knock it down: The following day, communities gather once more to dismantle the structure together.
How to take part
In the run up to the installation, communities are invited to take part in workshops to help create the building blocks for the cardboard pier.
Communities are invited to help construct the final Cardboard Pier structure on Saturday 26 September 2026 using a failsafe ‘lift-and-tape’ method. Across the day, many hands will help build the structure towards the final unveiling by 6pm. No sign-up or experience is required to take part.
On Sunday 27 September, communities are invited to be part of the monumental deconstruction of the cardboard pier. The materials will be recycled but the memories and stories shared are guaranteed to linger long in the memory.
You can find out more about the cardboard pier project by attending one of our information sessions. If you have any questions, email becky@superculture.org.uk
Further information
This project has been made possible thanks to contractor Mackley as part of the social value commitments negotiated within their contract with North Somerset Council. Weston-based Smurfit Westrock has supplied the materials without charge.
Super Culture is supported by Arts Council England. North Somerset Council’s project to restore Birnbeck Pier is funded by over £44m secured from the UK government, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Historic England.
