Inspiration, appropriation, creation: sources of Chinoiserie imagery, colour schemes and designs in the Royal Pavilion, Brighton (1802 – 1823)

摘要

This paper identifies key figures and artistic methods involved in the creation of the Chinoiserie interiors of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton and discusses to what extent personal taste and fashion informed George IV’s collecting habits and design decisions, as well as those of his designers. None of the members of the Royal Family, nor George IV’s architects and designers had travelled to the Far East and thus created these oriental interiors by using Chinese export art as reference points and inspiration, thus appropriating a foreign and “exotic” culture, resulting in the creation of highly inventive and playful interiors. The aim is to establish how far these key figures reflect wider trends and developments in design and colour choices in interior design and the decorative arts in early nineteenth century British interiors. udThe paper begins by focussing on the influence of other members of the Royal Family on the look of the Royal Pavilion, with particular focus on Chinoiserie interiors or collections created by George IV’s mother, sisters and other relatives, either before or alongside the creation of the Royal Pavilion. Based on close analysis of primary archival sources, the paper will also discuss to what extent George IV was actively involved in design decisions and their implementation. In this context the significance of royal palaces with Chinoiserie interiors preceding the Royal Pavilion or developing alongside it, notably the interiors of Carlton House and Frogmore House, will also be considered. Finally, the paper brings together information on the work of George IV’s designers Robert Jones and the Crace family of decorators, relating to colour, colour theory, export ware, and their specific design styles and painting techniques. While much is known about the Crace family, Robert Jones’s life and work has until now not been comprehensively researched and is here presented for the first time.