It began with a peep through the hoardings and a glimpse of these deep, crisply incised mustard tiles.
In 2012 the site had already been neglected for most of a decade and squatters looked after the place, living in vans in the ‘yard’, as well as at one time, an interesting group hosting community arts activities. The owner’s applications for demotion and construction of a 9 storey tower on the site, adjacent to Victorian Fisherman Cottages were being dismissed by Planning Committees year on year.
My research established the architectural importance of these tiles. They were all that remained of the ladies pool and one of the few remaining examples telling the story of salt water bathing in Brighton and Hove; a history of great significance to the development of the city.
Originally know as Hove’s Bath and Laundry House it housed slipper baths alongside laundry facilities for the community. Locals may have noticed that the promenade of Kings Esplanade juts out and is wider at this place. This extra bit of prom was built by the Laundry Company in agreement with the local Council for permission to extend a new length of pipe to pump salt water in. The premises originally extended on the other side of the road along the seafront, where Bath House now stands. The men’s swimming pool and main entrance were located in this building. The site know as Medina House was where the administrative offices were located and the smaller ladies pool was the area that was open to the elements for all those years. The walls of the yard were the walls of the ladies pool. See the photos below.
The site was bought by David Gilmour and Polly Samson in 2014 and they have created a large family home and studio. The architect Keb Garavito-Bruhn, from Pilbrow and Partners described his aim ‘to capture some of that building’s whimsical Victorian charm and exuberance.’ (Source: The Argus, 16th September 2016). The building was demolished and a new southern façade mimics the original. The intention was to retain the Royal Doulton tiles in the internal courtyard.
Here’s a link to the Pilbrow & Partners project page on their website
