NIK BAKER – PIER PRESSURE
Built way back in 1866 and closed to the public since 1975, Brighton’s West Pier has been reduced to a wreck of iron girders after two fires and an almighty storm. In his quest to capture windsurfing in front of its ghostly silhouette, John Carter persuaded Nik Baker to venture onto the water to set his sail against what remains of this Victorian engineering triumph. Unfortunately JC’s plans had about as much luck as the pier’s dilapidation during the last quarter of a century and after two separate missions he almost had to concede defeat to this metal skeleton. Read on to find out how the curse of the West Pier continues to wreak havoc on its eerie surrounding waters and those that dare venture near it.
Words & Photos JOHN CARTER