Art and Architecture Collection > The Empire and Regency Styles > ENGLAND – Regency Style

The Royal Pavilion at Brighton

George’s Royal Pavilion at Brighton serves as the best-known monument to the Regency Style. This seaside palace underwent various transformations at the hands of four architects. Henry Holland oversaw the renovation of the original farmhouse, which was renamed the “Marine Pavilion” and a further enlargement in 1801-4. William Porden built the stables and Riding House, and John Nash supervised the rebuilding of the now Royal Pavilion from 1815 through 1823, guided by George’s stylistic flights of fancy. Two gifted interior decorators, Robert Jones and Frederick Crace, devised the exotically oriental interiors, acting on George’s enthusiasm for chinoiserie.

Morley, John. The Making of the Royal Pavilion, Brighton: Designs and Drawings. Boston: Godine, 1984. (3-MAV+ 86-2162)
The most extensive study of this building, including conservation history, with detailed information about its decorators and their various design schemes.

Musgrave, Clifford. Royal Pavilion: A Study in the Romantic. Brighton: Bredon & Heginbothom, 1951. (MQWK)
Classic architectural history of the palace and its place in English building construction.

Roberts, Henry David. A History of the Royal Pavilion, with an account of its original furniture and decoration. London: Country Life, 1939. (MQWK)
Explains the Pavilion’s layout in the context of how the palace was utilized.

The Royal Pavilion, Brighton. Brighton: Royal Pavilion, Art Gallery and Museums, 1976.
(MAVY+ (Brighton) 78-246)
Well-illustrated survey history that also explains the palace’s relationship to Brighton itself.