Southend Pier and Sea Front, early 19thc

A charming watercolour of the Southend seafront c1830.  Notice the original wooden pier, bathing carriages waiting for the intrepid, and the carriage coming down the hill at speed.

In a period maple frame and under glass.  New mount and backing board for protection.  

Sight:    12.5" x 9.5"       32cm x 24cm

Frame:   17" x 14.75"      43cm x 37.5cm

£395

Ref:  412

In June 1830 a 600 ft (180m) long wooden pier was opened in Southend. This watercolour was probably painted at around this time. It was hoped the pier would increase the growing popularity of tourism to the town, which it did. But it was not until the 1850’s when the railway was extended to Southend, that holiday makers flooded to the town, mainly from East London. 

The coast at Southend is largely mudflats, and the sea is never deep even at high tide, and recedes over a mile at low tide. The original pier was extended and rebuilt several times over the 19th century, eventually becoming the longest pier in Europe.