West Pier (2)

James Gray: Two more photographs [see also jgc_02_007 on the West Pier (1) page] of the Pier in its very early days. Probably the work of Edward Fox and although the exact year is not known most likely of the period 1868-72. The lower one [seen here on the left-hand side] provides a fine view of Regency Square and of the doorway of St Alban’s House at the south-west corner. Additional Information: First view of Bandstand. jgc_02_008

James Gray: These three delightful photographs [jgc_02_015, 016 and 017] must have been taken soon after the opening of the Pier. At any rate, one can say with absolute certainty that they all date from before 1876.

James Gray: [See caption for jgc_02_015 above.]  jgc_02_016 and jgc_02_017

James Gray: Six photographs [jgc_024, 025 and 026 on this page and jgc_021, 022 and 023 on the West Pier (3) page] of the West Pier, the focal point of most being the low gas-lit band stand. Period – most likely 1868-1872.  jgc_02_024 and jgc_02_025

James Gray: [See jgc_02_024 and 025 above]  jgc_02_026

James Gray: Original photographs, [jgc_02_033 to 042 on the West Pier (1), (2) and (3) pages] probably taken by Edward Fox. Such clues as there are suggest period of about 1866-70. Copies of some of these appear on other pages [jgc_02_043, 044 and 045 below, jgc_02_046 on the West Pier (3) page and jgc_02_047 on the West Pier (1) page]. jgc_02_038

James Gray: [See jgc_02_038 above]  jgc_02_034 and jgc_02_035

James Gray: In this large photograph there are no electric lamp standards placed in King’s Road in 1893, but the Metropole built in 1890 is shown so it must be of the period 1890-93. jgc_02_060

 James Gray: These two photographs [jgc_02_063 and 064] of the Pier date from about the same time, the photograph by Frith below [jgc_02_064 on the West Pier (1) page] being positively dated as 1894. In the one above [seen here on the right] the Hotel Metropole (1890) can be seen but without the later extension eastwards which followed within very few years. 

James Gray: View down the Pier, from the theatre, in 1911, before the central Concert hall was built. Note the ornamental gas lamps. jgc_02_086

James Gray: One would like to caption these three photographs [jgc_02_092, 093 and 094] as the Pier in Edwardian days, but while the one directly above [jgc_02_093 seen here] has a decidedly Edwardian look about it, I have some doubts about the two sepia ones [jgc_02_092 and 094 on the West Pier (1) page], taken by a Hove photographer, Thomas Wiles of George Street.

James Gray: No comment. jgc_02_104

James Gray: An undated photograph of the Pier, Regency Square, and the King’s Road frontage. As to the date, one can only speculate. Obviously before the First World War, probably the early or mid-1900s. Additional Information: Good view of Metropole Hotel. jgc_02_107