Opened in November 1932, Branksome Chine Solarium was the first of its kind in the country.

Ultraviolet lights were used to provide all-year-round sunbathing, and refreshments added to an extra feeling of decadence

Dried sand under sun lamps and deckchairs helped add to the seaside feel, as did the spectacular sea view.

It was a place where sunbathers were offered the chance to absorb artificial sunlight in the building’s interior or the real thing in the tea lounge.

Bournemouth Echo: Solarium at Branksome Chine, Poole.

The idea, which originally came from the continent, was that the people of Poole, and its visitors, would be able to sunbathe all year round. In summer it could provide more manageable heat than that of the sun and in winter it would offer protection from the cold winds.

But the public was far from taken by the idea and the solarium quickly became the seaside restaurant that stands to this day.

Bournemouth Echo: Branksome Chine solarium, Poole.

The then-mayor of Poole said: “we had miscalculated the public taste.”

A nod to the building’s former use can be seen in an image above the door to Branksome Beach Restaurant depicting a lady in the sea soaking up the red sun’s rays.