A Decade Since Dismaland: Barry Cawston on Banksy’s Legacy at Weston Museum
This autumn, Weston Museum presents an evocative exhibition marking the tenth anniversary of one of the most provocative artistic interventions of the 21st century: Banksy’s Dismaland.
Opening on 13 September 2025, A Decade Since Dismaland revisits the iconic “bemusement park” through the lens of acclaimed photographer Barry Cawston, whose work captured both the spectacle within the Tropicana and the socio-cultural realities of Weston-super-Mare itself.
Revisiting a Cultural Phenomenon
When Dismaland first opened in August 2015, its unveiling came after weeks of intrigue and speculation. Conceived and curated by Banksy, the project assembled over fifty international artists, among them Damien Hirst, Julie Burchill and Jimmy Cauty, in a searing critique of consumerism, spectacle, and the sanitised narratives of mainstream theme parks.
In just five weeks, more than 150,000 visitors passed through its gates. The impact was profound: Dismaland became not merely an exhibition but a cultural touchstone, positioning Weston at the heart of a global conversation about art and society.
Barry Cawston: Are We There Yet?
Cawston’s frequent visits to the site during its short but influential run resulted in his project Are We There Yet?, an extraordinary photographic study that juxtaposes the art world’s sharpest satire with the lived textures of Weston town centre.
His imagery, cinematic in quality, meticulous in detail, and colour, reflects the dialogues raised within the park and mirrored beyond its fences. At Weston Museum, this collection is reunited with a small assemblage of private memorabilia, offering a rare opportunity to encounter the legacy of Dismaland a decade on.
Dismaland 2015. Image copyright Barry Cawston
About Barry Cawston
Barry Cawston’s photography blends sociological insight with architectural beauty. Known for elevating overlooked scenes with striking colour and detail, his work resonates with both local communities and international audiences.
With exhibitions spanning Europe and Russia, including the Marble Palace in St Petersburg and a six-month solo exhibition at Germany’s Völklingen Ironworks, which welcomed over 200,000 visitors, Barry Cawston’s practice extends far beyond documentary photography.
His accolades include the British Open Art Award, Nikon BJP Endframe Award, Black Swan Open Art Prize, and the Exeter Contemporary Open. In 2023, Fiona Robinson, Chair of the Royal West of England Academy, honoured him with an academician title, affirming his place among Britain’s most compelling visual chroniclers.
Exhibition Details
- Title: A Decade Since Dismaland
- Venue: Weston Museum
- Dates: Saturday 13 September – Saturday 22 November 2025 (10 am – 4 pm)
- Closures: Sundays, Mondays, and for private functions on 11 & 18 October
- Admission: Free
View Barry Cawston photography via his website here. Plus check out his book trailer of same title … Are we there yet?
Video copyright Barry Cawston
For works by Banksy, including Dismaland memorabilia please visit our GraffitiStreet store here.