» Exotic style
Chinese Whispers: Chinoiserie in Britain 1650-1930. A major exhibition at Brighton Museum, featuring the Royal Pavilion
The Long Gallery, The Royal Pavillion
Chinoiserie is an exotic style which has gone in and out of fashion for centuries. Is chinoiserie the new chic? This summer’s current focus on all things Chinese may herald a major resurgence in oriental influence in homes across the country. Chinese Whispers shows how it has been done before – by those with lavish amounts to spend, as well as people of more modest means – and inspires people who want to have a go at it today.
“You won’t see a prettier show this year than this visually sensuous survey of decorative art”
Richard Dorment, national art critic
Greeted by glittering gold and scintillating silver, visitors to this sumptuous and extravagant exhibition are drawn into a magical world of flamboyant furniture, vibrant wallpapers and embroidered silk garments to die for. The witty wall paintings reflect this taste, as does the assembly of ceramics, paintings and fans with their serpents, willow pattern, stories of romantic couples and mysterious mandarins, and funny little figures of esoteric gods.
While dragons twine around the furniture and extraordinary gold and silver table centrepieces shimmer enticingly, suspended overhead is a vast Chinese lantern. The height of luxury is a Chippendale day bed from two centuries ago – displayed with a cleverly positioned mirror to see inside the richly decorated canopy. Seductive 20th century extravagances include Lalique jewellery, richly embroidered silk coats and pyjamas, and a jacket astonishingly laden with sequins.
Japanned cabinet on stand, English, c1700 (on loan from the Holburne Museum of Art)
The Kylin Clock (Acknowledgement The Royal Collection. Copyright 2007, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II)
A Chinese Court Official, unfired clay, The Royal Pavilion
Chinese Whispers is the biggest exhibition to hit Brighton for years. It contains numerous objects on loan from HM The Queen, and many loans from national and private collections which are not normally on public view. A unique opportunity to see pieces brought together from all over the country, Chinese Whispers also makes sense of the extraordinary interiors of Brighton’s own Royal Pavilion. In his glowing review, national art critic Richard Dorment said: “Don’t even dream of going to this exhibition without also visiting the Pavilion.”
The Royal Pavilion is an exhibit in its own right – the most dazzling example of chinoiserie style to be seen in Britain. A flamboyant backdrop for romance, seduction and intrigue, it is effervescent with mandarin figures, faux bamboo and dragons in abundance. For the duration of Chinese Whispers only, there are additional special loans from HM The Queen of items originally made for the Royal Pavilion and newly displayed in their original setting. They include extravagant gilded clocks and a four metre high porcelain pagoda in pride of place in the extravagant Music Room.
Chinese Whispers continues at Brighton Museum until 2 November. Go now, and you’ll have time to go again later in the run! In the visitor book, comments already speak for themselves: “Delectable”, “Really gorgeous”, “Breathtaking”, “A sheer delight”, “How lovely to have this marvellous exhibition in Brighton”.
Admission to Brighton Museum is free, but tickets are payable for the exhibition (half price for residents of Brighton and Hove, with proof of address). The Royal Pavilion is open all year round, also with reduced ticket prices for local residents. At only £6.75 for Brighton and Hove residents – less than the price of a glass of sparkling champagne – you can visit both. It’s an experience not to be missed!
Alongside Chinese Whispers, Brighton Museum also offers an exciting programme of events and activities on all aspects of chinoiserie.
For full details, look up www.virtualmuseum.info
Ticker Prices
Chinese Whispers at Brighton Museum
Adult: £5
Child (under 16): Free
Concessions: £3
B’ton and Hove Resident,
Adult: £2.50, Child: Free
Last admission 45 mins before closing.
Royal Pavilion admission
Adult: £8.50
Child (five-15 years): £5.10
Concessions: £6.50
B’ton and Hove Resident,
Adult: £4.25 Child: Free
Family tickets also available at the Royal Pavilion
Combined ticket for Chinese Whispers at Brighton Museum and Royal Pavilion admission
Adult: £12, Child (five-15 years): £5.10
Concessions: £8.50
Brighton and Hove Resident,
Adult: £6.75 Child: Free
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
Royal Pavilion Gardens
Brighton BN1 1EE
01273 292882,
www.virtualmuseum.info
Open Tue 10am-7pm, Wed-Sat
10am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm.
Closed Mon (except public holidays 10am-5pm).
