Brighton’s West Pier isn’t just a relic from the past—it’s a symbol of Victorian innovation and seaside glamour, with a lasting appeal that captivates visitors today. Once a bustling centre for entertainment and leisure, it now stands as a haunting silhouette on the sea. Opened in 1866 and tragically destroyed by fire in 2003, West Pier remains one of Brighton’s most iconic landmarks. In this post, I share its story through rare photos I took in 1999, just four years before the fire—and again in 2012, capturing the dramatic contrast between its graceful final days and its skeletal remains.
A Victorian Masterpiece: The Story of Brighton’s West Pier
Designed by renowned Victorian engineer Eugenius Birch, Brighton’s West Pier opened in 1866 as a shining example of 19th-century innovation and elegance. Stretching 1,115 feet into the sea, the engineer designed it as a grand promenade where visitors could enjoy fresh sea air and panoramic views.
Quickly becoming a star attraction in Brighton’s booming tourism scene, West Pier expanded to include a concert hall and a theatre. Its ornate ironwork, decorative kiosks, and sweeping design became notable features of the Brighton seafront, drawing in crowds of locals and holidaymakers, making it a popular destination for seaside entertainment.
Rare Photos of Brighton’s West Pier Before the Fire
Closed to the public in 1975 for safety reasons, Brighton’s West Pier gradually fell into disrepair. Over the years, storms relentlessly battered the structure, causing parts to collapse into the sea.
In 1999, I had the unique chance to photograph West Pier before it was lost to fire four years later. Shot on a Pentax MZ-50 with Konica Centuria 200 colour film, these images capture the pier’s final days of grace. Even in decline, it still displayed the intricate designs and structural elegance that once made it a seaside icon—its silhouette standing proudly against the waves, echoing a vibrant past.
The Tragic Fires of 2003
However, in 2003, Brighton’s West Pier suffered two devastating fires that sealed its fate. The first, on March 28, tore through the concert hall and left a charred, skeletal frame behind. Just weeks later, on May 11, a second blaze reduced more of the structure to ruins. While the exact cause remains unknown, arson was widely suspected.
After the fires, any hope of restoration vanished. The pier became a haunting silhouette on Brighton seafront, its once-grand ironwork slowly giving way to the sea. These images from 2012 capture its ghostly aftermath, offering a stark contrast to earlier photos I took and preserving the quiet dignity and faded beauty of what remains.
West Pier vs. Palace Pier: A Contrast of Eras
While Brighton’s West Pier stands today as a haunting relic of the past, its neighbour, Palace Pier, remains a lively tourist attraction. Opened in 1899, Palace Pier still draws crowds with its amusement rides, bright arcades, and classic seafront snacks.
Interestingly, Palace Pier marked its 100th anniversary in 1999, celebrating with a nostalgic charm that reflected its Edwardian roots. Back then, it featured vintage rides and quaint arcades that captured the spirit of a bygone seaside era.
The following year, the owners officially renamed Palace Pier “Brighton Pier” to coincide with its centenary celebrations. Despite the rebrand, many locals and visitors still affectionately refer to it as Palace Pier. Since then, it has seen several renovations, blending modern attractions with the charm of its 100-year-old heritage.
Brighton’s West Pier Today: A Symbol of Nostalgia
Today, the remains of Brighton’s West Pier serve as a striking reminder of the city’s storied past. Though no longer the bustling seaside attraction it once was, its skeletal frame still captivates visitors, artists, and photographers worldwide. Standing against the waves, the structure has become an iconic seafront silhouette—a lasting tribute to Brighton’s Victorian heritage and the enduring spirit of its community.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite the destruction caused by the 2003 fires, Brighton’s West Pier remains integral to the city’s identity. The West Pier Trust, a dedicated charity, keeps its memory alive through exhibitions and historical projects.
More Photos of Brighton, 1999
Below are more photos I took in Brighton using 35mm film, showcasing other stunning scenes and memories I have of this vibrant seaside city.
Where: Brighton’s West Pier, East Sussex
When: Winter, 1999 (35mm film); Summer, 2012 (digital)
What: Pentaz MZ-50 35mm film SLR camera and Konica Centuria 200 colour film (1999); Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III (2012)
How: Scanned colour negatives using the Minolta DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 film scanner and VueScan software, then processed them using the method I explain in this blog post: How to Invert Colour Negatives in Photoshop the Easy Way.
Love Brighton’s seaside heritage? Share your memories of the West Pier in the comments below!