Jane Maria Bowkett (1837-1891)

Jane Maria Bowkett often painted seaside subjects and spent a lot of time in the south of England. The present example is an interesting topographical view depicting Brighton's Chain Pier. The structure was erected by the Brighthelmstone Suspension Pier Company in 1823, with its entrance at a toll house near the bottom of the Old Steine and it was reached by means of an esplanade which ran along the top of the beach. It was a popular attraction throughout the 19th Century, the towers supporting the chains housed small shops, selling sweets and souvenirs. The pier was eventually destroyed by a fierce storm in 1896.