As part of our recent family break to Pisa, Italy, we visited Viareggio, a beautiful coastal resort about 25 minutes away by train. Many of the buildings are architectural delights (of course, this applies to many parts of Italy) from the 1920s and 30s. All along the promenade are beautiful ‘Bagnos’, providing bathers with facilities to get changed, sunbathe or have a drink. I found the details of these buildings an absolute treat. The sign for ‘Il Sole' Bagno has such elegant lettering which stands out against the azure sky.
Several of the buildings announce themselves with stained glass. This was incredibly effective in the strong sun. The sign for number 48 is fully integrated into the facade. There is perfect symmetry, with the inner part of the semi circle swooping up as struts, framing the numbering. The stained glass shines like a beacon.
The sign for the EDEN Bagno is very cleverly made. Having dabbled with stained glass, I know how challenging it is to create a design within the limitations imposed by this material. The lettering is perfectly rendered as an oval. The glass in the background reflects the colours of the seascape.
Of course, part of the enjoyment of wandering around Viareggio was sampling the culinary delights - the most delicious pistachio ice cream I have ever had - with fried calamari, octopus and prawns for lunch.