Heritage Open Day: Brighton Dome and the Art Deco Seaside

Join historian Dr Kathryn Ferry, author of a new book on Twentieth Century Seaside Architecture, as she explores the Art Deco redesign of Brighton Dome and discusses the wider context of buildings from the interwar holiday boom. During the 1920s and 30s competition between resorts intensified as increasing numbers of British people won the right to paid holidays. New attractions sprang up to meet this demand including open-air pools, entertainment pavilions and dance halls, streamlined beach huts and even pioneering car parks. For existing structures like the historic Dome, a modern revamp capitalised on the popularity of Hollywood movies and Riviera-inspired sun worship.

Dr Kathryn Ferry is an author and architectural historian who likes to be beside the sea. Her publications include the official history of Butlin’s as well as titles on beach huts and bungalows. She is a founder member of the Seaside Heritage Network and a frequent contributor to television, radio and podcasts

Dr Ferry's book Twentieth Century Seaside Architecture: Pools, Piers and Pleasure around Britain's Coast will be available for purchase after the talk