James Gray: A little known part of Brighton which most of the townsfolk have never heard of, still less seen. It is entered and left by two narrow passages from George Street which are passed unnoticed by the uninitiated. Nearly 40 years separate the two photographs. This one was taken on 7 September 1969. jgc_22_052
2018: The two Victorian brick cottages remain intact in St James’s Court, a passage between Nos 1 and 2 George Street. The metal railings have been replaced by a high brick and concrete wall. (Photographer: Mary Allison)
James Gray: Apart for the removal of the gas lamp there is little change. This view is south of St James’s Street and taken in August 1930. jgc_22_053
2018: Little has changed in this view of St James’s Court since 1930 or since James Gray’s comment on it. A more substantial retaining wall for the car park now encroaches on the view a little but this end of the street retains its charm. (Photographer: Robert Dawes)
James Gray: [See caption for jgc_22_052 above.] This photograph, which shows the doorway of No.2, looks in the reverse direction towards the exit passage. jgc_22_054
2018: The view north doesn’t have the same charm. The substantial retaining wall of the raised car park looms over the alley and the use of the space as storage of equipment and refuse from the commercial properties makes it rather insalubrious – which had led to the possibility of the alley being gated. The structure to the right remains largely unchanged. Note the door and concrete raised wall to the right which are clearly visible in the 1969 image. (Photographer: Robert Dawes)