Brighton's West Pier realised by 16 artists in exhibition

Works from sixteen artists inspired by the metal skeleton off the coast of Brighton have been chosen for a display at the pier's heritage centre in the nearby arches.

From paintings to pictures, the pieces show the structure - known by so many - each in a different light.

Among those exhibited is 31-year-old photographer Bradley Moon. "Every time I've come down to Brighton, it has been the first thing I go to."

His picture, of a photographer taking a picture of the pier during a dramatic sunset, is one of the largest on display in the show.

"The fact that people come down here just to photograph the pier shows how much this means not just to Brighton but to visitors as well," he said.

Bradley Moon outside the pier with his trusty Sony camera (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

Bradley was born in the city and now lives in Eastbourne, where he works in a supermarket with dreams of becoming a professional landscape photographer, after picking up the hobby aged 16.

He has seen the pier's shape change over time with storms and high winds breaking up the metalwork.

Bradley's picture in the exhibition (Image: Bradley Moon)

Experts revealed last year that the pier has "generations" left in it thanks to the quality of piles driven into the sea bed.

It is the second year the West Pier Trust has invited members of the public to contribute their photographs - after a successful show last year.

Peter Sofroniou in front of some of the images on display (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

Volunteer Peter Sofroniou helped curate the exhibition after more than 60 entries were made by artists.

He was inspired to set up the exhibition after hosting the Brunswick Town Art Fair in the 2010s.

"I noticed there were three images you would see everywhere. The Bandstand, West Pier and Royal Pavilion," he said.

The exhibition opened yesterday (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

"You would see pictures of the West Pier everywhere - and I thought, well, that would make an interesting exhibition. I realised that local people feel a very strong emotional attachment, it seems, to the ruins of the West Pier."

The exhibition started last year and had thousands of visitors through the centre's doors to look at the artworks.

This year is set to be no different with a mixture of abstract pieces, collages and photographs all on display until April 1.