How many beach huts can you fit in two rooms? About 60 if this exhibition is anything to go by. I admit I was put off by the title – Re-imagining the Beach Hut sounds too much like management speak, and I was expecting a kind of corporate rebranding exercise. In fact the exhibition is a delight. Architects and artists from around the world have sent in models of beach huts, with a group of winners being built and inhabited on the Lincolnshire coast.

Thankfully most of the entrants have let their imaginations run riot and the result is a dazzling range of possibilities. Just a few examples: a revolving bright red sea urchin, an Alien Drum Censorium complete with giant ear trumpet, a two tier wedding cake, Jabba (geddit) the contemporary cave, and a Swiss cheese. Perhaps the best were those that had a seaside theme while being completely weird – how about sitting inside a giant oyster, or peeking out over the rim of an enormous cocktail tumbler, complete with straw and illuminated lemon slice. 

The overall verdict: when it comes to beach huts, the wackier the better. Get along before the show ends – how often do you see a show that makes you feel good about the world. As for the huts – how about having some built in Scarborough?

Roger Osborne

Bathing Beauties: Re-imagining the Beach Hut For The 21^st Century

Scarborough Art Gallery Until 9 May