Fifty miles south of London there is an alternative universe with an atmosphere very reminiscent of San Francisco's Haight Asbury. Brighton is a Regency seaside town that caters for day trippers as well as its large student population. The highlight is undoubtedly the Royal Pavilion. A confection of Gothic chinoiserie, built onto a pre-existing building by Henry Holland, designed by John Nash for HRH George, Prince of Wales. Now dimly and hauntingly lit to preserve much of its original and elaborate furnishings.
Unfortunately, but understandably, interior photographs are not allowed.
Monday, 13 August 2007
Brighton
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8 comments:
I went to the Royal Pavilion last Fall- unbelievable. I could have spent days there. I never thought about Brighton being like Haight, but now that you mention it, I see a bit of a resemblance.
Haven't been there for yonks, but loved it as a kid... hey, where's the music coming from? do i hear angels singing? am i dead?
Fairfax - ha, you can thank or blame Cote de Texas for the music. Irritating or fun, what do you think?
PoC - I would really like to see it in the Winter.
wow. has a bit of a Balinese vibe going. It could easily be an Indian palace. Stunning architecture to be sure.
These images are so beautiful...makes me wish I was in Brighton right now! I will have to add this to my to do list if I ever get further than Heathrow airport :)
~Kate
Brighton! I remember it so well from a childghood visit! Unfortunately, it was the beginning of a lifelong hatred of chinoiserie (I know, very unfashionable of me). Still, it was very memorable. I visited again 10 years ago, and still did not like the chinoiserie!
Check on flikr...you will find some illicit interior photos. I was thinking about doing a post on the Royal Pavilion last week, and I found some interior shots.
Oh, I am so sorry I missed visiting this stunning piece of Architecture when I was in Brighton. It is truly amazing! You Brits have the rest of the world beat in your preservation of your history. Great Pictures.
Sarah - I love chinoiserie and it almost put me off.
I much prefer how it was handled in the 17 and 18th Centuries. Nash is a bit of a vulgarian.
Patricia - thanks, it really is a must see.
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