AN EXHIBITION of photography and film charting the construction of the British Airways i360 – the world’s tallest moving observation tower – is now open in the beach building.

Images by i360 official photographers Kevin Meredith and Gary Eastwood, who documented the building 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 will have a permanent home in the Austen room in the beach building and is free for members of the public to enjoy.

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

Chairman David Marks, of Marks Barfield Architects that 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 film-makers 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 to have been responsible for the design of the exhibition.

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

Organisers warn that the exhibition may occasionally close for private events so it may be worth checking in advance.

The British Airways i360 currently holds a Guinness World Record as the world’s most slender tower with a height to width ratio of more than 40:1.

The 4,150-tonne concrete foundations are three metres deep.

And a total of 7,200 tonnes of natural beach shingle was excavated during construction and returned to Shoreham beach.

It remains a massive tourism attraction for the city.