Brighton Aquarium, 11 May 1928

Brighton Aquarium was conceived and designed by Eugenius Birch, the architect responsible for the West Pier. Opening in 1872, its range of attractions proved an initial success. By the turn of the century, however, the Aquarium was in financial difficulties. It was sold to Brighton Corporation in 1901.

The Aquarium continued to struggle. In the 1920s the Borough Council decided to extensively modernise the building.To this end, Brighton Aquarium was extensively reconstructed between 1927 and 1929. The new design was produced by David Edwards, the Borough Engineer.

The Italianate features of Birch's original design were replaced by a neoclassical style. White Empire stonework was applied to the exterior walls. The clock tower was demolished and replaced by two square kiosks. Much of the surrounding area was also affected. Several smallholdings on Madeira Drive were demolished to make way for a colonnaded walkway.

Throughout the reconstruction, photographs were taken of the work in progress. These give a clear indication of the scale of the project. They also show working practices of the time, and record the reaction of local people to the work.

View photographs of the Aquarium reconstruction.