Beach Huts and Bathing Machines (Shire Library)

Behind the enduring popularity of beach huts lies a story of classic British eccentricity. Immensely photogenic and appealing, these colorful seaside buildings are direct successors of the Georgian bathing machine, which first appeared in the 1730s as a peculiar device to protect the modesty of rich and fashionable bathers.
Kathryn Ferry paints a picture postcard view of the classic British seaside holiday through the history of beach huts and bathing machines, revealing how the changing fashions in society shaped their design and development. A fascinating celebration of the evolution of the beach hut from its unusual beginnings, to its status as a much-loved and sought-after structure by many a British holiday maker to this day.