An exhibition of photography and film charting the construction of British Airways i360, the world's tallest moving observation tower, is now open in the beach building.

Images by British Airways i360 official photographers Kevin Meredith and Gary Eastwood, who documented the build process, are being displayed alongside additional shots by Paul Raftery and a short film by Latest TV.

The exhibition, called 'British Airways i360: How it was Built' takes up a permanent home in the Austen room in the British Airways i360 beach building and is free for members of the public to enjoy during spring, summer and autumn months*.

During winter months or inclement weather, when pod flights board from inside the beach building, access to the exhibition is for British Airways i360 customers only. 

British Airways i360 chairman David Marks of Marks Barfield Architects, which conceived and designed the attraction, said: “British Airways i360 is an engineering tour de force and a wonderful symbol of British design innovation. 'How it was Built' provides visitors with an insight into one of the aspects that makes this landmark project a world first.

“I would like to pay tribute to all the architects, engineers, designers and contractors who made it a reality as well as to the photographers and filmmakers who recorded the whole process from beginning to end.” 

West Pier Trust chairman Glynn Jones said: “The West Pier Trust is truly delighted to have been closely associated with Marks Barfield Architects in the planning and construction of British Airways i360.

“This iconic structure enhances the site of the former Grade I listed West Pier and re-states the importance of first class design and its ability to lift the spirits”.

The exhibition was assembled by Real Studios. Director Alistair McCaw said: “Real Studios are pleased have been responsible for the design of the exhibition 'British Airways i360: How it was Built'.

“From text-writing to production, we have worked closely with Marks Barfield Architects in the delivery of this stunning pictorial record.”

*The exhibition may occasionally close for private events

Interesting facts about the construction

• The 4,150-tonne concrete foundations are 3 metres deep.
• 7,200 tonnes of natural beach shingle was excavated during construction and returned to the beach at Shoreham, to help reverse the longshore drift.
• The 162-metre-high tower consists of 17 steel cans that were bolted together using 1,336 bolts.
• The steel cans vary in thickness from 85mm at the base to 20mm at the top.
• The pod is 18 metres in diameter and is 10 times the size of a London Eye capsule.
• The glass panels of the pod were shaped at high temperatures using bespoke moulds.
• The West Pier tollbooths were reconstructed using castings from the original structures.
• British Airways i360 holds a Guinness World Record as the world's most slender tower, with a height to width ratio of more than 40:1.