Royal Pavilion’s Iconic Dome Roof Restored after Public Appeal

ONE OF THE Royal Pavilion’s 200-year-old ‘at risk’ roof domes has been restored after a public funding appeal to save the iconic landmark.

In August 2024, during routine maintenance, contractors discovered a crack in the dome on the east side of the Royal Pavilion was letting in substantial amounts of rainwater. Closer inspection also revealed that there was significant rotting on the central timber post and urgent repairs were needed to save the dome.

As this was beyond the scope of the charity’s funding, Brighton & Hove Museums’ charitable trust appealed to the public to help repair the famous roof, raising over £30,000 in just 48 hours.

Royal Pavilion’s Iconic Roof Restored

The Pavilion’s distinctive onion-shaped domes and tented canopies draw inspiration from Indian palaces. The domes are constructed from a combination of wood and iron which is painted and finished to resemble more traditional materials like stone or stucco.

The restoration work was led by architect Bob Sandford from Julian Harrap Architects LLP and contractors Paye Stonework and Restoration.

To assess the extent of the damage, small sections of render were carefully removed around the upper perimeter of the dome. This process exposed significant decay across the entire upper dome, including the central post.

To facilitate the repairs, the scaffold was modified to support the weight of the stone finial above the dome, allowing work to proceed safely beneath. The render on the upper area of the dome, along with the decayed timber structure, was then removed. The damaged timber was also replaced with like-for-like materials, ensuring consistency with the original design.

The render was later replaced to match the existing fluted details, maintaining the dome’s historic appearance. Finally, the structure was redecorated with a breathable mineral paint to prevent water from becoming trapped, allowing the dome to breathe and ensuring its longevity.

Brighton & Hove Museums CEO Hedley Swain commented: “We were absolutely blown away by the support we received for our initial and subsequent appeals to save the dome, and this allowed us to move very quickly to get it repaired, and thankfully this dome is now saved.

“However, as a charitable trust responsible for the care and preservation of five important cultural attractions across the city, we need to remain committed to safeguarding these treasures for future generations. In these challenging financial times, it is more important than ever to continue our efforts in raising the vital funds needed to protect, restore, and celebrate our heritage.”

>> Read about more heritage roofing projects in the news