Plans to demolish and redevelop Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue have come under threat after a heritage charity submitted an application to have the “modernist” building and its “remarkable” stained-glass windows listed.

The application from the Twentieth Century Society (C20) to Historic England states that “the site is unique in the UK in that it serves as both a Holocaust memorial and a place of worship, with its luminescent east facing 40ft long stained-glass windows, designed by Welsh artist John Petts and depicting scenes from the Revelation.”

Referring to art historian Dr Alison Smith, who has described the windows as “one of the great religious artworks of the 20th century”, the application goes on to say that the windows represent “the oppression of the Jewish people through history, and the atrocities of the Holocaust”. The doors of the synagogue’s ark are also made from stained-glass windows designed by Petts.

Ark in stained glass - Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue, Palmeira Avenue, Hove, Sussex - (John Petts- 1966-67) Image - John East

Ark in stained glass at Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue (Photo: C20 Society)

Historians have drawn comparisons between the windows and Picasso’s work Guernica and to Petts’s iconic work at 16th Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, an iconic building of the American Civil Rights Movement.

At an EGM earlier this year, shul members voted through a proposal to redevelop the site, based on the arguments that the current building had surplus space and seating and was too expensive to maintain. The new development would comprise a block of 18 flats with a smaller synagogue on the site.

While synagogue membership is around 400, there are believed to be only 30 people who attend the synagogue regularly.

But the decision to rebuild has caused concern among some members. Alison Dollow told the JC: "It is desperately important that we do everything we can to save our amazing building from destruction. I am proud to be a member of a congregation whose building is unique in the UK as being a Holocaust memorial […] as well as having those wonderful and iconic windows. When the light shines through, they look spectacular.”

Right stained glass window panel - Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue, Palmeira Avenue, Hove, Sussex - (John Petts- 1966-67) Image - John East

Right stained glass window panel at Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue (Photo: C20 Society)

Sophia Poznansky, who has been a member for five years, said: “I ask myself, how can our Holocaust memorial synagogue be replaced by a vision of equal grandeur? The architecture is unique and every time I sit in the congregation, I am amazed by the splendour of our windows.”

Irene Wise, whose parents were founder members when the synagogue was built in 1966, said she had “a lifetime of memories” associated with the building. Commenting on the windows, she added: “Every time I sit in that building and look at the windows, I see something different, which is largely due to the natural light coming through them."

In response to the news that C20 had applied for the synagogue building to be listed, the president of the congregation Michael Harris said: “We are fully aware of, and have always paid great attention to, the importance of our synagogue’s stained-glass windows and ark doors. Our development project, in all its reiterations, has always included plans to ensure these windows and doors are safely and securely looked after, and then prominently displayed in the new building.”

He said that following concerns expressed by members about the redevelopment plans, a sub-committee had been set up “to examine all aspects of the redevelopment as it might affect our stained-glass windows and doors [and] there is no question of any plans being finalised until this sub-committee has reported”.

This is the second time that C20 has applied to have the building and its windows listed. It firstly made an application in 2017 in response to a prior approval being granted for demolition, but this was rejected. According to C20, the new application comes in light of "important new evidence […] regarding the rarity and significance of the stained-glass windows, demanding the building now be re-appraised for listing”. 

Exterior landscape - Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue, Palmeira Avenue, Hove, Sussex (Derek Sharp 1966-67) Image - John East

Exterior of Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue (Photo: C20 Society)

The decision not to list the synagogue in 2017 was challenged by several cultural experts, including the former cultural strategy manager at East Sussex County Council, Hilary Lane MBE.

Regarding the latest application, Lane told the JC: “It is impossible to see the windows and not be both thrilled and inspired by them and by the story of the establishment of the synagogue. It’s unthinkable that the unique setting should be destroyed.”

The shul windows have also attracted the attention of researcher in post-Holocaust-stained glass art Nina Hirshorn, who said: "These unique windows are one of the earliest stained-glass Holocaust memorials to have been commissioned in the UK. Stylistically, they are very unusual for a synagogue setting, combining traditional stained-glass techniques with a very contemporary aesthetic.

 “They are an outstanding memorial to those lost in the Shoah and a stunning example of stained-glass art that needs to be preserved.”

However, not all members are against the proposed developments. Juliette Huberman, whose family has been involved with the shul for decades, said: “The current premises are sadly no longer fit for purpose. The structure and the layout of the building needs modernising ready for the next generation to continue the great work. It also needs to provide a safe space for the aging membership.

"The lift is inaccessible for many and to enter the building is a barrier for people attending We need to be responsible and accountable from an environmental viewpoint, which we can’t do with the current building.

“Redevelopment will allow us to have a brand new purpose built building, with multipurpose spaces to cater for all ages, from parent baby toddler groups, nursery and early learning, Cheder, adult learning, festivals, life cycle and community based events for all to join.”

“Finally I understand from the redevelopment committee and the many meetings held, the beautiful stained glass  windows, the ark and memorial stone from the foyer will all be preserved and come with us to our new home.”

A Historic England spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Historic England has received an application to assess The Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue for Listing and it is currently under consideration.”