24 C O N T E X T 1 3 0 : J U LY 2 0 1 3 de heritage seaside tage Our seaside heritag Our seaside heritage Ou easide heritage Our itage Our seaside heritage seaside heritage Our seaside herita ELIZABETH MAYLE Beach huts, icons of the British seaside Direct descendants of the Victorian bathing machine, beach huts have been a feature of the British seaside resort for over 100 years. In many places they are as popular as ever. Their design has changed throughout the 20th century, but the inherent charm of beach huts is undeniable. There are approximately 23,000 around the coastline, some dating back to the Edwardian era. Most beach huts are small, 2.4 x 3.0m as a maximum. Many are restricted to day use, containing little more than a basic facility to make a cup of tea. Beach huts are direct descendants of the Victorian bathing machine which, in essence, were glorified sheds with large wheels. A change of clothing could be made within before being wheeled directly into the sea, preserving modesty. Mixed bathing was prevented by local bylaws until 1895.1 Camping at the seaside became a fashionable pursuit in the late Victorian era for the wealthy, but soon tents were relinquished in favour of more permanent structures. Early huts were seen by the end of the 19th century in several seaside resorts. A photograph of Sutton-on- Sea in around 1900 shows beach huts and tents in the sand dunes. Designs are varied, reflecting a time when planning permissions were not needed. It is likely that there are few, if any, surviving beach huts from the late 19th century. The first municipal beach huts were constructed in the early 20th century. Bournemouth claims to have the first, dating from 1909. Designed by Frederick Percy Dolamore (chief assistant borough engineer and surveyor), they were constructed just after the installation of the new promenade.2They were designed as individual huts in a simple style, with an overhanging gabled roof facing the sea, brightly coloured partly glazed French doors and dark stained cladding.This formwas to prove popular. Scarborough pioneered the first terraces of beach huts in 1911, with dark stained timber, French doors and ornate, timber-fronted verandas. Few beach huts are protected by listing.There are only Right: Chalets at Saltburn, built in 1923. (Photo copyright Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council) Far right: Chalets at Sandilands, built in the 1960s The traditional beach hut that the author designed and built in 2004 at Sutton-on-Sea, Lincolnshire
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