A little piece of history is up for grabs after the original architect’s design of West Pier’s concert hall went on sale.
The unique item appeared on eBay this week showing the detailed colour plans of the 1916 edition to the Grade I listed pier.
Collector Nick Haynes bought the historic piece from an auction five years ago but is looking for a new owner after having run out of space to display his belongings.
He said: “I would love it to go back to Brighton. It is a fantastic authentic piece which carries a great deal of history.”
The pier was built in 1866 to cater for the hordes of tourist heading to the seaside town in the latter half of the century.
The 1,400-seat concert hall was added in response to the building of a similar venue on rival Palace Pier.
It officially opened on April 20 1916 with a concert by wounded and exempted servicemen of the King's Royal Rifles Silver Band.
Brighton architects, Clayton & Black, was given the job of coming up with the design.
The company, which was based in Prince Albert Street, is responsible for some of the city’s iconic buildings including the Duke of York’s |Picture House, Hove’s Gwydyr Mansions, the French Convalescent Home and the mock-Tudor King and Queen pub.
The hand-drawn chart features the side on views of the north and south entrances as well as the east and west elevations.
It also shows the details of the building’s majestic arches and roofing – both of which are hand coloured.
Two notes from the architects feature on each side of the drawing.
The first refers to details of the windows. It reads: “All the side windows open half of each falling down as in a railway carriage & the upper half going up.”
The other reassures planners and residents alike about the impact it will have on the existing pier.
It adds: “The continuous covered walk from end to end of the pier will not be interrupted by this new pavilion as it will be carried round both sides so that shelter will be provided from whichever side the wind blows.”
Mr Haynes said that he has “no price in mind” for the item adding that the most important thing was that it was returned to Brighton.
The item, which is 68.5cm by 50.5cm, is available until July 28.
For more details and to bid visit www.ebay.co.uk and search for Brighton West Pier Concert Hall.
See the latest news headlines from The Argus:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel