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SANDS OF TIME

Unseen pictures show how Blackpool Tower was built as iconic seaside treasure celebrates 125th birthday

The tower took three years to build and was opened in 1894

UNSEEN archive photographs of Blackpool Tower being built have been unearthed to mark its 125th birthday.

From the laying of its foundations in 1891, to the big opening on May 14, 1894, these rare images pay homage to the Lancashire landmark – a national symbol on Blackpool’s Fylde coast.

Blackpool beach has hosted the iconic tower since 1894
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Blackpool beach has hosted the iconic tower since 1894
The beginnings of the tower in 1893, two years into its construction
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The beginnings of the tower in 1893, two years into its construction
Workmen inspect the tower during the early days of the project
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Workmen inspect the tower during the early days of the project
This was the early construction of the tower, which stands at 518ft
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This was the early construction of the tower, which stands at 518ft
Blackpool beach and the half built tower in 1893
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Blackpool beach and the half built tower in 1893
The tower was unveiled in 1894 after four years on construction
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The tower was unveiled in 1894 after four years on construction
Tower foundation laying of Blackpool Tower in 1891
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Tower foundation laying of Blackpool Tower in 1891
England, radio and stage stars at Blackpool as US swimmer and actor most famous for his role as Tarzan, Johnnie Weissmuller, is lifted by a group of Showgirls on the beach
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England, radio and stage stars at Blackpool as US swimmer and actor most famous for his role as Tarzan, Johnnie Weissmuller, is lifted by a group of Showgirls on the beachCredit: Getty - Contributor
Blackpool Tower in the present day, almost 125 years after it was built
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Blackpool Tower in the present day, almost 125 years after it was builtCredit: Mercury Press

To herald the special date, never before seen images of the tower being built and through its 125-year history into the modern era – as well as 100-year-old advertising brochures promoting the attraction – have been released for the first time.

Kenny Mew, general manager at The Blackpool Tower, said: “It is an incredible honour to manage The Blackpool Tower in such a landmark year.

“The Blackpool Tower resonates with the hearts and minds of all of its guests since it opened all those years ago.

“From spotting it on your way into the resort, The Blackpool Tower is a staple of the town’s history and celebrates the very best of British.”

New booklets were created every season to advertise what was on offer at Blackpool Tower and its neighbouring attractions.

Standout images in the nostalgic gallery include Art Deco drawings from 1919, elaborate gold and silver foil designs from the 1930s and a sobering grey outline of the tower from during the Blitz in 1941.

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Also released are dozens of images of the tower during its three-year build process, with some dating back to 1891 when thousands lined Blackpool’s promenade to view the first foundation stone being laid.

On May 14, all tower staff will welcome guests while dressed in the traditional Victorian uniforms first worn by workers while lifetime admission will be gifted to any babies born at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on the day.

Kenny added: “We hope that people continue to show the same love for the Tower that they have over the decades and still visit in the years to come.”

The crowds at Blackpool beach, with the famous tower in the background, taken in 1920
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The crowds at Blackpool beach, with the famous tower in the background, taken in 1920Credit: Getty - Contributor
A view of the beach with the half-built Blackpool Tower in the distance
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A view of the beach with the half-built Blackpool Tower in the distance
An almost fully-constructed Blackpool Tower, now an iconic landmark
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An almost fully-constructed Blackpool Tower, now an iconic landmark
The tower was finished and opened up to the public in 1894, 125 years ago
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The tower was finished and opened up to the public in 1894, 125 years ago
An elderly man paddling in the sea at Blackpool c1946-c1955 with the Blackpool Tower in the background
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An elderly man paddling in the sea at Blackpool c1946-c1955 with the Blackpool Tower in the backgroundCredit: Getty - Contributor
Postcard showing a comic photographer taking a group portrait on Blackpool beach. The couple being photographed, and a donkey, all smile for the camera
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Postcard showing a comic photographer taking a group portrait on Blackpool beach. The couple being photographed, and a donkey, all smile for the cameraCredit: Getty - Contributor
Holidaymakers on the beach at Blackpool July 1954
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Holidaymakers on the beach at Blackpool July 1954Credit: Getty - Contributor
A young woman with a beach ball in front of Blackpool Tower on 23rd June 1955
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A young woman with a beach ball in front of Blackpool Tower on 23rd June 1955Credit: Hulton Archive - Getty
Two holidaymakers enjoying a donkey ride on the beach at Blackpool, circa 1950
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Two holidaymakers enjoying a donkey ride on the beach at Blackpool, circa 1950Credit: Getty - Contributor
10th July 1934: Two holidaymakers enjoying the heatwave on the beach at Blackpool
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10th July 1934: Two holidaymakers enjoying the heatwave on the beach at BlackpoolCredit: Hulton Archive - Getty
A new ice cream barrow on the beach at Blackpool, with the tower in the background, 1952
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A new ice cream barrow on the beach at Blackpool, with the tower in the background, 1952Credit: Getty - Contributor
A young man holding a young woman whilst paddling in the sea at Blackpool, circa 1912
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A young man holding a young woman whilst paddling in the sea at Blackpool, circa 1912Credit: Getty - Contributor
A Blackpool Tower brochure from 1927
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A Blackpool Tower brochure from 1927
A Blackpool Tower brochure from 1919
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A Blackpool Tower brochure from 1919
The entrance to Blackpool Tower
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The entrance to Blackpool Tower
Blackpool Tower in the present day
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Blackpool Tower in the present dayCredit: Mercury Press

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