Our summer events programme is in full swing, and we're delighted to be welcoming local historian Jackie Marsh-Hobbs to The Keep on 26 July to explore the West Pier's early years. Once described as a 'butterfly upon the ocean', the pier has been one of Brighton's most iconic structures since it opened in 1866, and this talk will take a closer look at Eugenius Birch's original decorative design. A small display of original material from our archives will be available to view from 5pm on the day. For further information and booking details, please see the events pages of our website.

Pictured above: one of Birch's plans for the new pier, dated 23 March 1863; ref DB/D/15/68

Inspired by some of the wonderful documents and ephemera in our collections - and by the fantastic weather - we've created a new display in our Reference Room that captures the spirit of summer. Alongside images of the seaside - from postcards to photographs and posters - we've found some lovely guide books and theatre programmes, as well as original tickets for deckchair hire on the West Pier. Do pop in and take a look! 

Looking ahead but still very much in holiday mode, we'll
be showing the British Film Institute's Coast and Sea on Saturday 11 August. This remarkable collection of archive film footage dates from 1901-1978, and will take you on a nostalgic tour of the UK, from tourist resorts to lifeboat stations and shipyards. You can view the trailer and find out how to reserve a place at this special screening on our website.

Recent additions to the archives held at The Keep by East Sussex Record Office include two long-lost account books compiled by Overseers of the Poor from the parishes of Battle and Catsfield. It was the Overseers' responsibility to assist parishioners in need, and these meticulous records provide details of the support offered by the parish, from clothing for children and cash allowances for pregnant women, to offers of work such as spinning or mending, and shelter for those with nowhere to live.You can find out more about this fascinating material, and how to view it at The Keep, on our blog.

Pictured above: a pauper's badge from the parish of Fletching, c1815-16. This would have been worn by anyone receiving assistance from the parish overseers; ref SPK/P/14 

A project to document the experiences of refugees and migrants working in the food industry in Brighton & Hove has recently been deposited at The Keep. The city is home to many vibrant Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and North African restaurants and, through a series of individual stories, the Takeaway Heritage project undertaken by Brighton-based charity Refugee Radio explores the way food can bring people together from different backgrounds and provide opportunities for cultural exchange. Read more about this project on our blog.

Elsewhere in our archives, the University of Sussex holds collections from families who came to the UK as refugees from Nazi Germany in the 1930s. Much of this material has been digitised and can be used in schools to support the teaching of history, politics, literature and religious education. Archivist Samira Teuteberg is running a free workshop introducing the collections to teachers on 11 July from 4.30-6pm. Refreshments will be provided, and there are still a few spaces available. To reserve a place, please call 01273 482349 or email Samira.Teuteberg@sussex.ac.uk.