insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 01 - March 2015 | Page 12

THE SPECTACULAR Royal Pavilion

BY LISAMARIE LAMB

Brighton’s Royal Pavilion is an iconic structure – an unmistakable jewel in Brighton’s already
impressive crown. Construction of this stunning royal palace began in 1787; at that time it was
a much smaller and more intimate holiday home for the Prince Regent (who would go on to
become George IV). However, by 1802, thanks to architect Henry Holland, the first stage of the
upgrade had been completed, and the one-time summer residence had turned into the Marine
Pavilion – a beautiful neo-classical villa.

Once George succeeded his
father to the throne, he chose
architect John Nash to carry out
more works on the villa, and it
was Nash’s groundbreaking and
innovative styles and designs
that created the eye catching
Royal Pavilion as it is today. By
1823, the work was complete,
and the Pavilion had not only
been extended, but completely
redesigned – it was exotic and
fanciful, utilising an Indo-Islamic
style that broke through the
classical boundaries of what had been done before.
And it wasn’t just the outside that was cause for comment; the Oriental
influence of the interior was lauded as well. George IV was passionate
about entertaining, and he certainly had some say in how he wanted his
Brighton palace to look; he wanted the place to impress his guests. And
impress them he definitely did. With imported furniture and ornaments
from China and France, décor that included gilded dragons and bamboo
staircases, a banqueting room in which he hosted lavish feasts, and a
music room for private concerts and public balls, his flamboyant tastes
were on show.
For those 19th-century visitors to the Royal Pavilion, the look