James Bruce

Chain Pier at Brighton

15.5 x 11 inches

A hand coloured etching and aquatint by James Bruce, published in Brighton in 1824.

Brighton is well known for its piers and their susceptibility to damage by fire, storm and disrepair. The first pier to be built was this elegant chain pier designed and built by Captain Samuel Brown and opened to great acclaim in the November of 1823. During his Regency the future King George IV had made Brighton very popular with the Ton so the town was forever looking for ways in which to add to its alure. A smart new pier ticked the box nicely. It was principally designed to accommodate the boats that sailed across to Dieppe in France but from the outset there were ''attractions'' for the local day tripper including a camera obscura and attractive gangways. Access was via a toll hut and it is from here that we take our vantage point. Mr. H. Ratty stands at the gate collecting money in a bag around his waist. A courting couple can be seen leaving whilst an old sea dog leans against the railings, puffing on his pipe and surveying the scene. Sadly, the pier fell into disrepair and was destroyed in a storm in 1896.

£285