Pelham Institute, Victorian Gothic structure in Kemptown, Brighton, England
The Pelham Institute is a Victorian Gothic structure in Kemptown featuring elaborate multicolored brick construction with terracotta accents. The building showcases pointed arches and segmental windows that emphasize its lofty Gothic aspirations.
The institute was built in 1877 by architect Thomas Lainson and served as a workers' club offering education and social programs. It shaped eastern Brighton as an important facility for the working class.
The building functioned as a gathering place for the community, with a large hall hosting concerts, lectures, and religious services. A reading room provided local residents with space for learning and connection.
The building is now known as Montague Court and houses residential flats managed by a housing association. Visitors can admire the exterior architecture, though access to the interior may be limited.
The facade is defined by purple brick laid in English bond pattern, a rare feature among Victorian buildings in the region. This colored brick pattern contributes significantly to the building's visual identity.
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