This postcard shows James Doughty and his dogs performing on the West Pier in Brighton in 1908. After a long career as a travelling clown and showman, James Doughty came to settle in Brighton. He would carry on performing until … Continued
The theme of May 2019’s image gallery of the month is the West Pier. The original structure of the pier was built in 1866 and many additional features were added over the next 50 years, including a bandstand in 1875, … Continued
If our earlier post on vinegar Valentine’s has left a sour taste in your mouth, this postcard is a sweeter reminder of the day. It was sent from Brighton on 13 December 1909 to a lady in Shrewsbury. Perhaps it … Continued
The Brighton Mayor’s Children’s Ball was a regular event. Usually held in the Royal Pavilion, it appears to have been a charitable occasion that took place in the early part of the year. The theme for 1904 was ‘Living Chess’, and this … Continued
The Royal Pavilion and Museums hold well over 8000 postcards relating to Brighton & Hove. Although these have been traditionally collected for the images they bear, the message sides can be just as revealing. These short handwritten messages can give … Continued
A tradition of the British festive season is to remark on whether the occasion feels ‘Christmassy’ or not. This slightly torturous colloquialism may seem like a recent invention, but according to the Oxford English Dictionary it dates back to at … Continued
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
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The Royal Pavilion & Museums Trust is a self-funding charity. We face a huge funding deficit from revenue lost during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we now need the urgent support of individuals and businesses to help us continue our work.
