Pavilion Contemporary: The Lost Pagodas, an Installation by Geraldine Pilgrim 

Extended to 7 May 2013
Royal Pavilion

Admission payable, members free

Artist Geraldine Pilgrim has created four unique pagodas especially for Pavilion Contemporary, the Royal Pavilion’s new annual contemporary art commission.

Geraldine Pilgrim works across theatre and the visual arts and is known for her evocative installations and site-specific performances which create a contemporary dialogue with occupied and deserted historic houses and buildings. Working with the history – imagined and real – of a space, she specialises in creating installations and performances in unusual buildings and landscapes. She responds to the architecture of the site for inspiration and narrative to reveal the memories and atmospheres that have built up over the years.

Among the Prince Regent’s extravagant commissions for his Royal Pavilion in the early 1800s were six three-metre high porcelain pagodas designed to impress his guests in the Music Room. These six original pagodas now form part of the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace. Two other pagodas – currently being restored - were purchased in the 1950s and stood either side of the mantelpiece in the Music Room to echo the originals.

Geraldine found the idea of these lost pagodas of the Royal Pavilion totally inspiring and has created an installation of four pagodas that would temporarily replace them. These self-contained structures, placed in different areas around the building, will visually echo the essence of the spirit of the Royal Pavilion: opulence with a hint of naughtiness.  The pagodas celebrate the Prince Regent’s passions of food, music and love while bringing an extra quality of light to the already visually powerful existing spaces, adding rather than competing with the décor.

You can view more photographs of the pagodas on our Facebook page or Flickr.

Free with Royal Pavilion admission fee
Adult £10, child (5-15 years) £5.70, concession £8
B&H resident (with proof of address) £5
Family tickets also available, see the current Royal Pavilion admission charges

Buy admission tickets in advance

You can buy Royal Pavilion admission tickets in advance by telephoning the Events Booking line on 03000 290902 (Mon-Fri), email visitor.services@brighton-hove.gov.uk, in person at any of our venues, or online below. A £1.50 booking fee may apply. Tickets cannot be reserved without payment.

Buy Royal Pavilion admission tickets online

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