Please fill in the form below and we will get back to you.
Alternatively email us at info@dbrlimited.com or for urgent enquiries call us on 020 7277 7775.
Royal Pavilion
High Level Works
1 / 5
By the late 18th century, on the Brighton shoreline where salt air met spectacle, the Royal Pavilion began its unlikely life. Conceived in 1787 as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, it evolved alongside its owner, through regency and ultimately kingship, into something boldly theatrical. Over three stages of construction, the building shed convention, embracing an Indo-Saracenic style inspired by the architecture of India, a vision that stood in deliberate contrast to its English setting.
Client
Royal Pavilion Estate
Location
Brighton
Grade listing
Grade I
Fabric
Stucco
John Nash’s Eastern Dream
The Pavilion’s unmistakable silhouette, its onion domes, minarets, and tented rooflines was shaped by architect John Nash, who extended and transformed the building from 1815 onward. What emerged was not simply a royal residence, but an architectural fantasy: ornate, exotic, and unapologetically expressive. Time and exposure, however, had begun to test the endurance of this vision, particularly across the high-level masonry of the East and North elevations.
Working Above the City
DBR was engaged to undertake a programme of high-level masonry conservation, focused on the northern section of the East elevation tented roof and the North elevation itself. This included the Pavilion’s distinctive onion domes, minarets, and surrounding decorative fabric elements that defined the building’s character but demanded careful attention. Extensive masonry replacement was carried out to the minarets and jali screens, all undertaken by DBR’s in-house stonemasons.
Craft Relearned on Site
To meet the demands of accuracy and craftsmanship, a dedicated carving workshop was established on site. Here, blocks of Hartham Park Bath stone were templated, hand-modelled, and carved, ensuring new masonry responded faithfully to the original design. The process echoed traditional methods, grounding the work in patience, skill, and close observation.
Surfaces, Details, and Quiet Repairs
Alongside masonry works, DBR undertook decorative repairs to windows and stucco, including traditional lime stucco repairs that respected the historic fabric. Window joinery and metal frames were carefully repaired, while localized roof works addressed areas of wear and vulnerability. Stucco surfaces, including the onion domes, were finished with Keim mineral paint selected for its breathability and proven compatibility with the harsh marine environment.
Conservation in a Living Landscape
Throughout the project, the Pavilion remained a major tourist destination, alive with visitors. Scaffold, hoarding, and logistics were carefully designed and managed to integrate seamlessly into this busy public setting, ensuring safety while minimising disruption. Working in a coastal environment demanded constant adaptation planning around shifting weather patterns and recognising that thorough preparation was essential to securing a longer maintenance cycle for the building.
A privilege to work on the Royal Pavilion, where craft, care, and collaboration renewed its fantastical form, strengthened its fabric, and safeguarded its presence by the sea for generations ahead.
