Photography book review: Pierdom, By Simon Roberts (with an introduction by Francis Hodgson)
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Simon Roberts has travelled the coastline of Britain to create a comprehensive and fascinating photographic record of the country’s remaining pleasure piers.
The history of the pleasure pier follows the story of Britain’s relationship with the seaside. Our piers bear witness to the growth of the coast as a pleasure destination for a monied elite, as well as the working class enthusiasm for the seaside brought on by the development of the railways and the introduction of bank holidays. Britain’s piers trace our changing economic fortunes too, from post-war boom to economic downturn, and now a slow reawakening of our appreciation of these cultural and historic landmarks.
At the turn of the last century, almost a hundred piers existed; now only half remain and several face an uncertain future. While some are modest structures, others are elegant and exotic, thrusting out into the sea with characteristic Victorian aplomb. Roberts documents the remaining piers using his signature landscape style, echoing the aesthetic and tone of his acclaimed book We English.
Pierdom is introduced by Francis Hodgson, photography critic for the Financial Times, and the former head of photography at Sotheby’s, London.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments