Ice skating in Brighton
With the opening of the ice rink at the Royal Pavilion in November, it may come as a surprise to many to learn that the first ice rink in Brighton opened in 1897. The rink was in Middle Street but … Continued
Working with Natural Science collections
[slideshow] The Monument Fellowship is a Museums Association scheme which is aimed at capturing collections knowledge held by experienced individuals who have retired from museums. As part of this scheme I have been working alongside the recently retired assistant Keeper, Jeremy Adams, … Continued
Introducing Smith’s Cuttings
‘Smith’s Cuttings’ are a fascinating collection of ephemera relating to all aspects of Brighton life. The volumes are divided into themes (Amusements, Elections, Fisheries), buildings (Churches, Chapels, Hotels, Pavilion, Chain Pier, Aquarium), and areas (The Coast West, The Coast East, … Continued
Duke of York’s 100th Anniversary
One hundred years ago this week, the Duke of York’s Cinema in Brighton opened its doors for the first time. One of the great Edwardian picture palaces, it was designed by local architects Charles Clayton and Ernest Black, and the opening day, … Continued
War on the Streets of Brighton 1937
This photograph shows Circus Street School, Brighton, in the late 1930s. It was taken shortly before the area was redeveloped in 1937. But this photograph is not merely a record of a vanished school; more surprisingly, it shows how the Spanish Civil … Continued
Brighton v Swindon 1914
Before there were all-seater stadiums there were stands; before there were stands, football supporters simply stood at the edge of the pitch. As Brighton & Hove Albion fans look forward to the new stadium in Falmer, this postcard is a … Continued
Chattri memorial service
At the end of March, we opened a new room on the Royal Pavilion visitor route – what I call ‘a small room with a big story’. Here, visitors who turn off their audio guides and step away from tales … Continued
Pretty in purple
I have been volunteering at Brighton Museum in the costume collection for a couple of months now and having a really good time. My favourite part is when we need to get something out of the storage cases. It always … Continued
Boutique Fashion
As a volunteer for Royal Pavilion & Museums within the costume collection, I am privileged to be able to have a good look around within the dress collection. They seem to me to be brimming over with a thousand stories; … Continued
