A Glimpse into Maritime History: Admiralty Pier, Dover Postcard

There's something uniquely captivating about old postcards. They're not just pieces of paper; they're tiny time capsules, offering a snapshot of a moment long past, a glimpse into landscapes, architecture, and daily life that may have changed dramatically. Today, I want to share a particular treasure from my collection: a vintage postcard depicting the iconic Admiralty Pier in Dover.

Looking at this sepia-toned image, I'm immediately transported to a bustling scene on the English Channel. The perspective from the pier itself stretches out into the vastness of the water, with the sturdy railings leading the eye towards the distant horizon. The details are what truly bring this image to life:

• The imposing structure of the Admiralty Pier: Built to withstand the relentless power of the sea, the pier itself is a testament to Victorian engineering ambition. Its robust construction speaks volumes about its purpose – to provide shelter and facilitate the vital maritime traffic of Dover.
• The lighthouse at the end: A beacon of safety for countless mariners, the lighthouse stands as a silent sentinel, guiding ships through the busy waters.
• Vessels in the background: Although somewhat indistinct, we can make out what appears to be a ship further out, perhaps a cross-channel ferry or a cargo vessel, highlighting Dover's role as a major port. The smaller structures in the water hint at the complex infrastructure needed to support such a busy maritime gateway.
• The vastness of the Channel: The sea itself, with its gentle swells, evokes the constant movement and energy of this critical waterway.

Why is the Admiralty Pier so significant?

The Admiralty Pier in Dover is more than just a pier; it's a monument to Britain's maritime heritage and its strategic importance. Its construction began in 1847, driven by the need for a deep-water harbour to accommodate the growing naval fleet and to serve as a vital link for cross-channel communication and trade. For decades, it was a hub of activity, witnessing the departure and arrival of countless ships, soldiers, royalty, and ordinary travellers.

Think of the stories this pier could tell! It would have seen:

• Victorian grandeur: The departure of well-dressed passengers on their grand tours of Europe.
• Wartime readiness: The comings and goings of naval vessels during various conflicts, especially the World Wars, given Dover's critical role in defending the realm.
• The evolution of travel: From paddle steamers to more modern vessels, the pier adapted to the changing face of maritime transport.

Dating the Postcard

While there's no precise date on the postcard itself, the style of the photograph, the sepia tone, and the general appearance of the vessels and pier suggest it likely dates from the early 20th century, perhaps between 1900 and 1930. This was a golden age for postcards, which served as both mementos and a primary means of quick communication. The "208/105" in the bottom right corner is a publisher's reference number, common on postcards of that era.

A Piece of My Collection, A Piece of History

For me, this postcard is more than just an image; it's a tangible link to a pivotal location in British history. It sparks curiosity about the people who walked that pier, the ships that docked there, and the events that unfolded against its backdrop. It serves as a reminder of Dover's enduring role as the "Gateway to England" and the sheer ambition and engineering prowess of generations past.

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Margate Jetty Art: A Glimpse into the Victorian Past

A vintage postcard depicting Margate Pier in its heyday, likely from the late 19th or early 20th century. The pier stretches out into the sea, bustling with activity, with people strolling along its wooden planks and enjoying the seaside views.

The Victorian Pier:

Margate, a charming seaside town in Kent, England, has a rich history intertwined with its iconic pier. Initially constructed of wood in 1824, it was rebuilt with iron in 1855 and extended over the following years, the pier was a marvel of Victorian engineering, attracting visitors from far and wide. It served as a popular destination for leisure, entertainment, and transportation.

A Hub of Activity:

The pier was more than just a walkway; it was a vibrant hub of activity. Visitors could enjoy a variety of attractions, including:

• Bandstands: Listen to live music performances from talented musicians.
• Pavilions: Explore shops, arcades, and tea rooms.
• Fishing: Cast a line and try your luck at catching fish.
• Horse-drawn carriages: Take a leisurely ride along the promenade.

A Symbol of Seaside Pleasure:

The pier's popularity peaked during the Victorian era when seaside holidays became a fashionable pastime. Families and couples flocked to Margate to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the fresh sea air and scenic views.

A Changing Landscape:

Over the years, Margate Pier has faced challenges, including storms and structural damage. It closed in 1976, was badly damaged in 1978 and underwent occasionally demolition until the final section was completely removed in 1998.

The artwork below was created by me based on a Victorian era postcard I have in my collection, copies can be purchased from my Colin_picture_this Zazzle store on various products. You can also transfer the design to alternative products of your choosing as required.

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Whitby Piers and Beach

 Whitby has had piers helping to control tidal flows since the medieval era, the current East and West Piers having initially been built in the 19th Century, before extensions were added in the 20th.

The Grade II listed East Pier was built in 1854 and reaches a length of 1080ft, it is of sandstone construction, the West Pier is also Grade II listed, of sandstone construction but was built in 1831 and is 1178ft in length. These piers are found at the harbour entrance and were doubled in length with work completed in 1912, this was to prevent a whirlpool effect at the harbours entrance that had been affecting ships when entering the port. Both piers have lighthouses on them with the East Pier having the smaller constructed tower.

I took the pictures below on the 25th August 2018 with a Nikon d3300, the can also be seen in a 12 x 4 x 300 resolution on Clickasnap and un-watermarked.

The following picture was taken looking north from West Cliff looking over Whitby Beach in the direction of Sandsend and Kettleness. The North Sea Waves Breaking on to the beach.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Saltburn-by-the-sea Art

 Saltburn-by-the-sea art is a set of 7 art works by me of various scenes in the area around Saltburn Pier. They are based on original photo's by me or public domain postcards. The full 7 can be seen below with 3 also available  to view to view on Clickasnap full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

Hunts Cliff and Bridge

Saltburn from the Pier

Saltburn from Hunt's Cliff

The Pier at Saltburn-by-the-sea

Saltburn Promenade Southwards

Saltburn Tramway

The Ship Inn and Hunts Cliff

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Brighton Piers in Art Sketches

 West Pier

The West Pier is a derelict pier off the coast of Brighton which closed to the public in 1975. Opened on the 6th October 1866, the West Pier was the 2nd in Brighton following the Royal Suspension Chain Pier, it was extended in 1893 and a concert hall was added during the First World War and around this time the pier reached it's maximum popularity before declining during the inter war years. After closure the pier was largely neglected with sections collapsing into the sea at various times, a major storm in 2002 causing extensive damage and several fires putting the pier beyond repair. The pier was awarded Grade I listed status in 1982 to date the only pier to have been. The artwork of the remains below was created by me.

West Pier Remains, Brighton

Brighton Palace Pier

The Brighton Palace Pier was the third to open in Brighton and the only one still in use, the pier was granted Grade II listed status on the 20th August 1971 and continues to be a popular tourist attraction to this day,

Brighton Palace Pier

Both artworks remain the copyright of Colin Green, they can also be seen full size, resolution and un-watermarked on Clickasnap, click either image to view in another window.

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A Glimpse into the Past: Unearthing a Blackpool Illumination Gem from 1933

There's something uniquely satisfying about sifting through a collection, especially when it's something as tangible and evocative as vintage postcards. Each one holds a tiny slice of history, a frozen moment in time, often whispering tales of faraway places and long-forgotten journeys. Recently, while diving deep into my own sizeable postcard archives, I stumbled upon a true treasure that instantly caught my eye.

It's a postcard from the renowned Scottish publisher Valentine & Son of Dundee. For any postcard enthusiast, the Valentine name is synonymous with quality and a vast output of beautifully designed cards, particularly throughout the early to mid-20th century. This particular find, however, felt extra special.

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Blackpool's Dazzling Spectacle, Captured in Paint

The card features a vibrant depiction of the Blackpool Illuminations from the North Pier. What makes this one stand out is its captivating artistic style – it's not a photograph, but rather a beautifully rendered painting, transforming the electric spectacle into a work of art. The Blackpool Illuminations themselves are legendary, a beloved annual event that has drawn visitors to the Lancashire coast for over a century. To see them captured in this painterly fashion on a postcard from so long ago is truly a delight.

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A Date with History: 1933 and Beyond

One of the most fascinating aspects of collecting postcards is being able to date them, and this card offered a clear clue. Its serial number, 221812, definitively places its printing in 1933. That means this humble piece of cardstock is roughly 87 years old! Imagine the world in 1933: the Great Depression was in full swing, global tensions were simmering, and yet, here was Blackpool, offering a dazzling escape, immortalized on this very card.

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Unposted and Enduring

Despite its impressive age, this postcard tells another interesting story: it was never posted. There are no stamps, no handwritten messages, no postmarks to betray a journey through the postal system. It's a blank canvas, preserved almost as it was the day it rolled off the printing press. While it shows some signs of wear and tear, as you'd expect from an item approaching its ninth decade, its overall condition is remarkably good. The colours remain surprisingly vibrant, and the details of the painted scene are still wonderfully clear.

Holding this card, you can't help but wonder about its original owner. Was it bought as a souvenir and simply never sent? Did it sit in a drawer, waiting for a message that never came? Or perhaps it was part of a collection from the very beginning, cherished for its artistic merit and historical significance.

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This small, unposted postcard from 1933 is more than just a piece of paper; it's a tangible link to the past, a vibrant reminder of Blackpool's enduring appeal, and a testament to the artistry of Valentine & Son. It's moments like these, unearthing such gems, that make the hours spent sorting through a collection truly worthwhile.

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Whitby's Coastal Charm: Four Moments in Time

Imagine standing on West Cliff, the sea breeze on your face, gazing out over Whitby Beach. These four images, taken on August 25th, 2018, attempt to capture that feeling. From this vantage point near Whitby Pavilion, the view extends along the coast towards Sandsend, with the sturdy silhouette of Whitby Harbour Pier anchoring the scene. The Nikon D3300 SLR beautifully rendered the details of this North Yorkshire gem, preserving the essence of a perfect seaside day.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Photo4Me and Clickasnap using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.