The Royal Pavilion, an exotic palace in the centre of
Brighton. Built as a seaside pleasure palace for George IV, this
historic house mixes Regency grandeur with the visual style of India and
China.
For 200 years, John Nash’s extraordinary oriental fantasy, the Royal
Pavilion, has been inextricably linked with the identity of Brighton.
It has provoked controversy, inspired fervent adulation and,
throughout its colourful history, become one of the most instantly
identifiable architectural images in the world.
It takes its unique character from the man for whom it was built, George
IV, and its magnificent interior is a reflection of his personality and
the arts of Regency England. It was conceived as a monument to style,
finesse, technological excellence and above all pleasure. It remains
unequalled in its colossal ambition and glorious sense of joie de vivre.
The Royal Pavilion started as a modest 18th century lodging house.
Architect Henry Holland helped George, Prince of Wales, transform his
humble seaside retreat into a handsome neo-classical villa – known as
the Marine Pavilion.
In 1815 George, by now Prince Regent, hired the eminent architect
John Nash, to redesign the building in the Indian style. The work was
completed in 1823 by which time George had become King. It is this
building, an instantly recognisable symbol of Brighton, which we see
today
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