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Photographed in its 1930s heydays

This early photo taken of Embassy Court may have been taken not long after it was built in the 1935 and shows the building in pristine condition as it is once again in 2008.  Above the main entrance is a sign that may have been advertising the apartments for sale but unfortunately is indiscernible in the photo.

To the right of Embassy Court is Berkeley Court built in 1866 and originally called ‘The Berkeley’ which was run as a private hotel in the 30’s.  The facade of Berkeley Court has changed many times over the years.

On the promenade is a row of donkeys, I wonder if anyone remembers the donkeys and who owned them?  Directly in front the promenade is the ‘Sunken Garden’ which was a feature of Brighton for many years. This has recently been replaced as a Petanque Pitch as part of the seafront redevelopment.

In the foreground of the photo there are three round stands which I assume went round the entire garden.  They may well have been some form of spotlights that illuminated the gardens at night with coloured lighting. Perhaps someone knows what they were?

Embassy Court
From the private collection of Trevor Chepstow

Comments about this page

  • I knew a man who lived in this lovely old building in the 70s, his name was Alf, he was a millionare, self made from the printing trade. He was a well-known person around town, a very colourful character in the clubs. He also owned a large boat moored at Newhaven harbour – I went out on the boat a few times trying my hand at water-skiing – no good!  He was a very nice guy, his apartment was the penthouse on the top of Embassy Court.  Brighton misses the likes of him. Cheers Alf.

    By Duffy Watkins (30/05/2011)
  • It’s possible that the objects that Trevor refers to are pay-per-view (1d for 1 min) binoculars. All three are pointing out to sea.

    By Bob (originally from Brighton) (30/05/2011)

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