James Gray: Lewes Crescent at the time of Brighton Carnival, 1923.
The float was the entry of Needham’s, Castle Square, which took second prize in the decorated trade vehicles. jgc_06_026
2020: The buildings of Lewes Crescent, one of the finest, and today one of the more expensive, crescents in Brighton are largely unchanged almost a century since the James Gray image was taken.
James Gray: These formed part of the original Kemp Town Estate projected during the 1820s. The construction of the esplanades, at one time strictly private, occupied about 12 years from 1828 to 1840. The slopes were unfenced at their southern boundary, as can be seen here, and ran right down to the beach, the use of which was confined to Kemp Town residents. This photograph, dating from 1895, shows the area as it was. Note the two methods of lighting – gas in the old lampposts and electric arc lamps in the tall standards, first introduced in 1893. jgc_06_123
James Gray: View in the same area in 1955, 60 years later. In 1895, Madeira Drive was extended from Paston Place to the slope leading up to the present Madeira Drive. Volk’s Railway was extended along the foreshore to Black Rock in 1901. At this period the slopes were entirely enclosed and reserved for the use of Kemp Town residents. In 1951 the Corporation acquired the site and the terraces and gardens opened for the use of the public, in July 1952. jgc_06_124
James Gray: Do not be misled by the rails of the beach. It is not Volk’s Railway as the photograph is earlier than the previous one. Note the gas lamps not electric standards. Period about 1890. jgc_06_125
2020: A much greener view today. (Photographer: David Sears)