3-043-780 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Entrance Hall to the Brighton Aquarium, [Brighton, Sussex], 1872. 'This establishment...promises to be a great help to the popular study of an interesting branch of zoology, as well as to supply the seaside loungers with constant means of rational entertainment...The engineer was Mr. Eugenius Birch...the architect was Mr. Nightingale... The glass roof of the entrance-hall is borne on wrought-iron ribs, which are pierced in ornamental patterns, and which are supported by columns... The brickwork [is] worked into tasteful designs and pleasing patches of colour. Terra-cotta is also used with good effect. The floor here, as throughout the building, is of encaustic tiles, laid in geometrical patterns. Heat will come from hot-water pipes under the flooring. The entrance-hall will not only furnish a pleasant lounge and promenade; it will also be used as a lecture-room and for scientific conversaziones... the whole work is now finished, at a cost of £50,000'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.