Brighton Pier

Originally (1823) the former named Palace Pier, situated on Madeira Drive, was primarily used as an old landing station for Dieppe bound passenger ships. The owners quickly realised its commercial value, and an entrance fee was introduced along with souvenirs/confectionery kiosks and entertainment stalls telling fortunes and selling silhouettes. In the 10 year period after its opening, the original pier was irreparably damaged through countless storms and was eventually sold to the Marine Palace & Pier Company. Unfortunately for them the following December saw it totally destroyed in a huge storm, and had to be totally restored.

Challenged by setbacks over next decade, the 'Palace Pier' was finally re-opened with a grand ceremony on the 20th May 1899; costing an unprecedented £27,000 to build.  In 1905 amusement machines such as' Punch Ball' machines and 'The Lady Palmists' were installed. A few years later in 1911 the concert hall had become a theatre, and a new bandstand was introduced to host free outdoor concerts in the summer months. 1928 the Messrs Lusse Brothers introduced the first 'Dodgems' into Britain, and within 4 years they were pride of place, along with the 'Big Wheel' on the deck of the pier. It wasn't until the 1980's that the new style virtual reality machines were introduced. 

The Palace Pier became Grade II listed on 20th August 1971.

Under the new ownership of 1984, major renovations took place and changes such as free entrance, free deckchair's and a new fish and chip restaurant were introduced. 
In 2000 the Palace Pier was renamed (by its current owners) to 'Brighton Pier', and still maintains its reputation of being one of the foremost piers in England boasting the newest gaming machines and thrill rides. 

Did you know: 

* Today the Brighton Pier is illuminated by no less than 67,000 energy saving light bulbs. 

* A bomb planted by the IRA near the pier in 1994 was defused by a controlled explosion

* The National Pier Society does not acknowledge the current name 'Brighton Pier' and its still registered with them as the Palace Pier. 

So this is Brighton !

All information is taken from and available at :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brighton_Pier

http://www.brightonpier.co.uk

Images:

Laurel Alexandra Photography

Randoms

One of the best things about Brighton is the people. All walks of life, all religions, all fashions, basically anything goes. Over the coming weeks I will endeavour to bring you some of the diverse population - but for now here are a few that I captured last summer whilst on a different mission. 

On the whole they look quite "normal" for want of a better word !!! cos... what is normal ?! .... But I think what I am trying to portray is that there are some many colourful characters in our town now, that I would love to show you, and will over the next few weeks. 

This project was more about collarging the images together, so each image is made of at least 3 photos. It was a design I was trying at the time. 

What I have found amusing, though not sure why?, is the workman that so kindly let me take his image's is still on the Open Market building site, I saw him the other day. 

Wow ... a whole year of standing in the same spot !!!!!!

Good on him :) 

I've yet to wait for a summer to see if if the deckchair man is still the same, I suspect he is. 

Graffiti and Street Art in Brighton

Bright colourful and artistic - some of Brighton's best Graffiti helps identify the City in its individual light. I took a few images on my travels and when posting I researched a little to bring you some info. I didn't need to as the 
'Graffiti and Street Art in Brighton' site has it all for you.
This is what they have to say
"Looking at photos of great graffiti in Brighton, but don’t know what to make of it? You’re in the right place. Graffiti is an art form that should be accessible to everyone, but it’s not always that easy to decipher. We believe in making the pieces that Sussex has to offer accessible to everybody – afterall, isn’t that the point?"

Enough said ...... Here is a small sample of that fine art

Mirror Ball

Did you know ...

The largest mirrored disco ball measures 9.98m (32ft 9in) in diameter, and was made by BSG Luxury Group for Bacardi Russia. The ball was displayed at the 'Casa Bacardi, Larger Than Life; party in Moscow, Russia, on 26th April 2012.

Brighton Beach

Hove Lawns

Hove Lawns is the official start to Hove (Brighton and Hove City) , and stretches along to Hove Lagoon. A beautiful seafront esplanade with pebble beaches 

and iconic statements; The Peace Angel marks the boundary between Brighton and Hove..actually!!!.

The majestic Bandstand designed by Phillip Lockwood and completed in 1884, the signage declares it to be "considered one of the finest examples of a Victorian bandstand still surviving in England today". 

The beach huts stand loud and proud. Available to purchase from anything from £11,500-£14,000 and rentable on a daily tariff of £50 or weekly £200.

The West Pier was Brighton's second pier, joining The Royal Suspension Chain Pier in 1866. Built by Eugenius Birch it was later closed to business in 1975 and has been left deteriorating, awaiting renovation ever since. It has not weathered well and suffered incredible damage now standing as a skeleton after experiencing countless storms and two terrible fires the latest being in 2003.  Owned by the West Pier Trust and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund various plans to renovate have been opposed by local residents and the previously supportive !!!, Noble Organisation owner of the (Palace) Brighton Pier; who felt "major concerns with the impact of commercial operations".  

In july 2008 the West Pier Trust stated "that it was confident of the West Pier's rebuild" and originally planned to re-establish the structure as a major tourist attraction along with the i360, a futuristic observation tower.

I feel saddened when such beautiful historic icons are left to die ...