History

The Pier was designed and engineered by Eugenius Birch to attract visitors and survive in the hostile environment of the seashore. Built in 1866, it was a simple and functional structure built out from the sea using dozens of cast iron threaded columns screwed into the seabed and strengthened by a lattice of ties and girders that provide the necessary strength to support the promenade deck whilst allowing seas to pass harmlessly through.

Originally the West Pier had an open deck with only six small ornamental houses of oriental design, two toll houses and glass screens at the pier head to protect visitors from the wind and sun. In 1875 a central bandstand was added. In the 1880′s weather screens the full length of the pier, steamer landing stages and a large pier head pavilion were constructed.

The final building, completed in 1916, was a graceful concert hall. The result is seaside architecture at its finest, designed to attract and entertain holiday-makers with all the pomp and frippery that is the essence of the English seaside resort. The pier is unique in being largely unaltered since that time, its proportions and style are unrivalled and its concert hall and theatre are two of the best surviving Victorian and Edwardian seaside entertainment buildings.

West Pier Artefacts at the Brighton Fishing Museum

The Brighton Fishing Museum, located on the seafront between the piers, has an arch dedicated to an exhibition of artefacts rescued from the West Pier. The story of the pier is explained and information about the i360 is also available. The museum is an integral part of Brighton’s Fishing Quarter, www.brightonfishingmuseum.org.uk , and well worth a visit.

Floating Memories

Brighton Swimming Club  has received funding from  the Heritage Lottery Fund  to create an accessible  archive that delves into a fascinating and extensive heritage of swimming in Brighton using archives  that date back to 1860. The legacy of Floating Memories will be  a archive at East Sussex Records Office, a film archive at Screen Archive South East, a permanent exhibition at the Brighton Fishing Museum. You can find out more at www.floatingmemories.co.uk