One hundred years ago the Brighton Aquarium was acclaimed as being the largest and most imaginative Aquarium in the world. People came from far and wide to see the new sea world.
The idea to build the greatest Aquarium in the world came from a London
architect and designer of marine piers, Eusebuis Birch. Brighton, on the
south coast, with splendid hotels and a new railway link to London, seemed
the ideal choice. A site facing the West Pier, which he had already designed,
was the first choice but the ultimate decision was for a building at the
west end of a new road now known as Madeira Drive, where once stood a toll
house for the famous Chain Pier.
Before any work could commence it was essential to obtain permission from
the local authorities and from Parliament. The first of several Acts of
Parliament for the project received the Royal Assent on July 12th 1869 and
work started immediately. The estimate for the building involved a sum of
£100,000, further increased to £133,000 the following year.
Because buildings were not allowed to rise above the Marine Parade, a great
deal of excavating was carried out. Facing stones used in the protecting
sea wall came chiefly from blocks that made up the original Blackfriars
Bridge, London.
The courtyard had five terra-cotta arches supported by pillars enriched
with carvings of mermaids, sea nymphs and other marine symbols. In the large
entrance hall and lining the 224ft. long corridor, were the fish tanks in
archways leading up to a vaulted ceiling, supported by columns of polished
red Edinburgh granite, and green serpentine marble, with pillars of Bath
stone and a mosaic flooring. The somewhat subdued light coming from inside
the tanks, controlled to suit the environment of the marine life inside,
gave an impression of mystery and excitement, almost as though one was deep
under the sea, looking into the strange world of fishes.
The wide corridor led to a conservatory which had an attractive grotto
complete with a cascade of water. Later this became a popular meeting place.
Although the building was far from ready, it was decided to open on Easter
Saturday
1872. with the idea that the official opening would take place during August,
when the premises would have been completed. Queen Victoria's third son.
Prince Arthur, arrived that Easter, in Brighton, with Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar.
The Royal Party expressed a wish to see the new Aquarium and it was necessary
to carry out immediate work on the roadway in order that the Royal Party
and their ladies could enter the Aquarium without sinking up to their ankles
in mud. With flags flying, the Princes enjoyed their visit.
pausing "ever and anon" to view the interesting specimens. The
Press described this impromptu opening as "very propitious" and
"It could scarcely have entered the minds of any of the most sanguine
of the Aquarium directors that its opening would be attended by a Prince
of the Blood Royal. On August 10th 1872 the Mayor, Sir Cody Burrows, declared
the premises open, despite great problems with contractors, a difficult
site, the sea and the weather, plus many battles with Parliament and Brighton
Council. The Aquarium Clock Tower became famous all over the world and picture
postcards
of its familiar facade sold in their thousands.
When the gardens on the terrace were added, it was said;
Originally open on weekdays and Sundays, the Aquarium was compelled to close on Sundays because of ancient legislation. Questions were asked in Parliament and a new Act was passed in order that the Aquarium and other similar places of entertainment, could again be open.
The Aquarium soon became the mecca of first class entertainment attracting
international artistes. Military bands were always popular and, in the winter,
besides regular concerts and organ recitals, pantomimes were produced.
In 1901 Brighton Corporation acquired the premises and, by that time. it
was known to millions of visitors throughout the world who had come to the
town to see and watch the many rare exhibits. The town's fishermen, too,
took a pride in the marine museum and five prizes were awarded annually
for those who brought the rarest living specimen for the tanks to the Aquarium.
In the following years its popularity waned and the idea of selling or rebuilding
it was constantly under discussion. In 1914 a scheme was put forward to
remodel the premises and to provide, at a cost of £22,000. a concert
hall seating 1200 for the Municipal Orchestra, but this had to be shelved
because of the war. In June 1922 the Council approved an offer by the Southdown
Motor Services to acquire it as a motor coach terminus, with a restaurant
and roof garden. This caused considerable indignation from people all over
England and strong protests were made at a public meeting held at the Dome.
At the Public Inquiry which followed the application to close the Aquarium
was defeated.
In 1925 the Council agreed to improve the Aquarium and rebuild on modern
lines. The "new" Aquarium was designed by the Brighton Borough
Engineer and Surveyor, Mr. David Edwards, and it was completed after two
years' work, ready for the re-opening at Whitsun 1929, the total cost being
£1 17,000. In 1955, it was taken over by Aquarium Entertainments Ltd.
and the Directors initiated a progressive policy to restore the Aquarium
to its early eminence as an outstanding
international attraction. As Mr. Birch pioneered the way a hundred years
ago, so has the Company, by combining the living marine museum with modern
entertainment, re-established the Aquarium. In 1967 the now famous team
of dolphins was introduced and became an instant success, delighting both
old and young, visitor and townspeople,
who return again and again to discover anew the Aquarium, and to watch these
enchanting and intelligent creatures.
The dolphins during their performance
In June of that year, a major decision was taken to provide, at a cost of
£250,000, an indoor dolphinarium, to enable visitors to view dolphins
in a modern pool with comfortable seating and other amenities. Easter 1968
saw the completion of this exciting project and it has now become the greatest
attraction in the 100 years of the existence of the
Aquarium, and is currently bringing visitors to Brighton from all parts
of the world.
But it has always been more than an Aquarium. It has been a rendezvous,
a social meeting point throughout it's history. Very few people alive today
can realise the wonder, and almost awe, with which the opening of the Aquarium
was greeted. Not only by the layman—it was welcomed with open arms
by naturalists, scientists and many others. Eminent zoologists claimed that
the fish were housed in "palaces" under the most natural conditions
to befound anywhere. Whales, sharks, sea lions and porpoises have been bred
there. So, too, have dogfish, skate, herring, perch and trout, apart from
lobsters, shrimps and other small fry. Now it is also the home of the most
celebrated dolphins in the world.
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