Discover how China inspired 250 years of British art and design in this major exhibition at Brighton Museum, featuring the Royal Pavilion.
"You won’t see a prettier show this year"Richard Dorment, Daily Telegraph
"Sumptuous stuff" Rhoda Koenig, Independent
Greeted by glittering gold and scintillating silver, visitors are drawn into a magical world of flamboyant furniture, vibrant wallpapers and embroidered silk garments. Enjoy ceramics, paintings and fans with their serpents, willow pattern, stories of romantic couples and mysterious mandarins, and comical figures of esoteric gods.
A unique opportunity to see pieces brought together from all over the country, Chinese Whispers contains many objects on loan from HM The Queen, and major loans from national and private collections which are not normally on public view.
Chinese Whispers also makes sense of the extraordinary interiors of Brighton’s own Royal Pavilion. For the duration of Chinese Whispers only, there are special loans from HM The Queen of items originally made for the Royal Pavilion and now displayed in their original setting.
In Brighton Museum
The red lacquer box
It’s like straying into a box of scintillating jewels!
‘The Ladies Amusement’
A flowery setting for the extravagances of the aristocracy.
Exotic interiors
Glitzy fashion, lifestyle and décor, including jewellery and seductive fashions.
At the Royal Pavilion
Surrender yourself to the extravagant interiors - a flamboyant backdrop for royal romance, seduction and intrigue.
The Music Room and Music Room gallery
Spectacular objects first displayed in the Royal Pavilion and now brought home to their original setting.
The North West Gallery
Extravagant and spectacular chinoiserie designs for the Royal Pavilion.
“Don't even dream of going to this exhibition without also visiting the Pavilion”.
Richard Dorment, Daily Telegraph 13 May 2008
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The Ladies Amusement © David Illman |
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Associated events
Tickets for events are available from Brighton Museum shop or call 01273 292797 (except where otherwise specified).
Wednesday 17 September 1pm
Gallery Tour
A guided tour of Chinese Whispers with Adrien Joly, Interpretation Officer
In the exhibition galleries
Free with exhibition entry ticket
Thursday 18 September 1pm
Nodding mandarins: George IV's collection of 'Chinese' nodding dolls
A slide lecture by Minna Robertson exploring the 'Chinese' figures on display in the Royal Pavilion followed by a look at some of the artefacts discussed.
The Old Courtroom, Church Street, Brighton and the Royal Pavilion
£5 (£3.50 concessions) advance booking essential
Thursday 9 October 1pm
Picturing the Chinese
Artist Grace Lau discusses her photographic work inspired by 19th century travellers’ representations of the Chinese.
The Old Courtroom, Church Street, Brighton
£5 (£3.50 concessions)
Wednesday 15 October 1pm
Gallery Tour
A guided tour of Chinese Whispers with Adrien Joly, Interpretation Officer
In the exhibition galleries
Free with exhibition entry ticket
Generous support for Chinese Whispers has been received from the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, the Henry Moore Foundation, The Friends of the Royal Pavilion, Art Gallery & Museums, Brighton, The Regency Society of Brighton & Hove, Ian Askew, Elaine Evans, John Rank, Richard Sachs, Lady Judith Swire, the British Antique Dealers Association, and from private individuals who wish to remain anonymous.
Chinese Whispers is a part of CHINA NOW, the UK’s largest ever festival of Chinese culture. CHINA NOW, is a 6-month nationwide festival of over 800 Chinese events including exhibitions, performances and activities spanning Chinese film, cuisine, comics, art, literature, music, design, science, technology, business, education and sport across the UK. Visit www.chinanow.org.uk/events for full details of all events.
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