Professor Reddish

A legendary Edwardian stuntman who thrilled the crowds at Brighton Pier

This extraordinary photograph captures the unforgettable Professor Reddish, a renowned Edwardian performer known for his daring stunts on the Brighton seafront. Clad in a skin-tight acrobatic suit, Reddish would ride his bicycle off a high diving board into the sea at the Pier Head, launching himself with theatrical flair into the enclosed bathing area below.

To the delight—and sometimes shock—of the Edwardian ladies and seaside crowds, his gravity-defying leap became a much-anticipated spectacle during Brighton’s summer seasons. With his imposing physique and showman’s style, Professor Reddish perfectly embodied the era’s fascination with strength, novelty, and public entertainment.

🗓️ Did you know? Brighton’s Palace Pier opened in 1899, making stunts like Reddish’s the perfect attraction for the newly modernised seafront.

📍 Brighton, Brighton and Hove, England 📷 Photograph circa 1900

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