FA206403 – Beauties of Brighton, A Crowquil; George Cruikshank, 1 March 1826

Part of the One Minute Wonders trail, a story written by one of our volunteers, inspired by objects on display.

By Gillian Ditch

I see men and women promenading past the domes and minarets of the Royal Pavilion. Brighton then and now; the place where you can be what you want to be.

What did the fashionable young men and women of the Regency era wear? Who were they trying to impress?

I am intrigued by the three young men on the left of the picture, the ones with impressive thighs and jaunty hats. Who do they have their eye on I wonder.

Perhaps the young men are pursuing the mystery lady with the expansive hat, the woman hidden by the character with the nipped in waist?

Where did these people go after their walk? Was it the steam baths on the seafront or dinner at the Old Ship Hotel. Was this way of life only for those who could afford it?