Fascinating! Apparently the interior of the Aquarium was given a (quite faithful) Aztec-style decor when it was redeveloped. You can see a photo from around 1929 on the Brighton Museum collection’s webpage. Does anyone know why Aztec, and how long this image lasted for?
By Ian Mursell (03/09/2005)
My parents, lifelong Brightonians, can clearly recall the Aquarium being a dance hall where they actually met! The actual dance hall was behind the current aquarium under the ground with its own entrance on the seafront or access via the lift. This was in the early 1950’s and was very popular as a jive/dance venue. The big bands such as Syd Lawrence and Jack Parnell would play (and Ted Heath). Does anyone else remember this?
By Jilly Simmonds (17/01/2006)
Yes I well remember the dance hall, used to spend many a Saturday night there with my mates. I met many girl friends over the years including holiday makers who we never gave our real names to. Not sure if anyone will remember me as this was in the early and mid 50s.
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Fascinating! Apparently the interior of the Aquarium was given a (quite faithful) Aztec-style decor when it was redeveloped. You can see a photo from around 1929 on the Brighton Museum collection’s webpage. Does anyone know why Aztec, and how long this image lasted for?
My parents, lifelong Brightonians, can clearly recall the Aquarium being a dance hall where they actually met! The actual dance hall was behind the current aquarium under the ground with its own entrance on the seafront or access via the lift. This was in the early 1950’s and was very popular as a jive/dance venue. The big bands such as Syd Lawrence and Jack Parnell would play (and Ted Heath). Does anyone else remember this?
Yes I well remember the dance hall, used to spend many a Saturday night there with my mates. I met many girl friends over the years including holiday makers who we never gave our real names to. Not sure if anyone will remember me as this was in the early and mid 50s.
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