An invalid at the Bristol Hotel, Brighton

An inked inscription verso in a fine period hand identifies the sitters and location as 'Mary, Libbie and Mr Collins / Bristol Hotel / Brighton.'

The Bristol Hotel was located on the seafront at 143, Marine Parade, in the Kemptown area of Brighton. According to the 1861 census, William Hallett, the landlord from whom the hotel was leased, lived next door at number 142 with his family and servants. The 'Hotel Keeper' was a William Chamberlin. These were large houses. The neighbour on the other side, Lord Sudeley, had 25 live-in servants to run his household. And the Bristol must have been a luxurious and comfortable hotel. At the time of the 1871 census, Viscount Sydney, Chamberlain of the Household, and Hon Spencer Ponsonby, Controller of the Chamberlain's Office, were listed among the guests.

Photographed by L. Dolibo of 24 St Georges Road, Brighton.