Just wondered whether anyone is familiar with the work of Martin Parr.
In the 80s, he took a series of photos in New Brighton which were published under the title of The Last Resort. You can see them at: http://tinyurl.com/282ro4
They're not everyone's cup of tea but I have to say that I love them. There are some real classics in there such as the young lad dipping his toe in a *filty* marine lake.
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Ive ridden on those Sky Rockets in the Fun Fair lol.... Back then if i remember you could buy a booklet of tickets. It was supposed to be more value for money.
It was our parents way of getting rid of us for the evening getting on the train to new Brighton.
You're right about the tickets Mark. Another thing I remember about The Palace (big indoor fair) was the smell; a mixture of candy floss, chips, and machinery. Then there was that sort of high pitched siren which went off when one of the rides started. Fantastic place for kids and captured beautifully and honestly by Martin Parr.
Incidentally, Birkenhead band Rattlebus have written a song about it called Galloping Horses. It can be heard at http://www.rattlebus.co.uk
I never knew New Brighton had so much going for it back in the day, It makes me sad to look out the window now and see how it has became over the years
From my back window i can see the front and the light house etc etc and from the front window i can see all the pubs and shops haha
It's the sounds and smells that I remember as well as all those penny slot machines around the main entrance - don't recall ever winning anything. Does anyone recall the proper "Big Top" type circus which was behind/next to the funfair ? I dont know if it was permanent or just occasional. For some reason I associate the name Roberts with it.
Coincidently I was looking at Paul Trevor's Flickr page last night (I must get over to see his exhibition) and this reminded me of the Last Resort which I remember being exhibited at the Williamson Art gallery when I was at school in 1986. After a bit of Googling, I found the book on Amazon and ordered it yesterday. Can't wait to have a look through. If social commentary is your thing then Paul Trevor's black and white photographs of inner-city Liverpool in 1975 are amazing. If it wasn't for the odd Raleigh Chopper and flared trousers you would think it was Victorian England.
Excellent photos. A more miserable bunch you'd be hard pressed to find. I love the way the British travel miles to be as miserble as they woulda been in their front room...
