Western Pavilion, Grade II* listed building in Brighton and Hove, England
The Western Pavilion is a Grade II* listed residential building in Brighton featuring a prominent onion dome, slender minarets, and ornamental windows in Oriental style. The two-story structure spans eleven window bays and has a pointed-arched entrance, though a modern shopfront now occupies the northern side.
The structure was built between 1827 and 1828 by architect Amon Henry Wilds during Brighton's shift from a small fishing settlement to a fashionable seaside destination. This transformation made the town a testing ground for bold and unconventional design.
The building displays Hindu and Indo-Saracenic architectural features that reflect British enthusiasm for Oriental design in the early 1800s. These elements shape how the street looks and demonstrate how this style became woven into the city's character.
The building sits on Western Terrace near Western Road and is easily visible from the street. Since it remains a private residence with a ground-floor shop, the best way to appreciate it is to view the exterior and its distinctive features.
The first floor features distinctive windows styled like Christmas crackers that stand apart from typical window designs. Inside, an oval-shaped dining room reveals Wilds' personal architectural creativity and his willingness to experiment with unconventional room layouts.
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