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Colour illustration of the Pavillon at Brighton

Capturing Nature

Designs for the Pavillon

Humphry Repton

1808


Humphry Repton (c1752-1818) was one of the great English landscape designers at the turn of the 19th century.

To help his clients visualise his designs, he produced ‘Red Books’ (so named for their binding) of explanatory text and watercolours, employing a system of overlays to present ‘before’ and ‘after’ views.

Repton was invited by the Prince Regent to submit designs for the grounds of the Royal Pavilion at Brighton (known then by the French term 'Pavillon').

His plans reflected the growing taste for the exotic and included Chinese-styled pools and Indian summer houses.

Repton’s designs were never realised but his book, produced by London printers JC Stadler in 1808, remains a significant reminder of late 18th century Orientalism.