Winter appeal to save Royal Pavilion dome
We are calling for further donations to repair and preserve one of the ‘at risk’ domes on the iconic roof of the Royal Pavilion ahead of the worse of the winter weather.
Work began on restoring one of the ‘onions’ on the roof of the Pavilion after decay was found during the summer.
There was an amazing response from the public following an urgent appeal in August to raise the vital cash to repair the dome which was in immediate risk of collapse.
Supporters donated around £30K in just three days. Unfortunately, now work has started, the specialists have discovered the extent of the wood rot is a lot worse than initially anticipated and will cost much more to restore properly.
We have now decided to reopen the appeal to ask people to help raise an additional £50k towards the conservation work to help save the iconic skyline. With the winter weather coming, there is now a huge need for the work to be completed soon.
CEO of Brighton & Hove Museums Hedley Swain said: “We were so overwhelmed by the public’s response in the summer when we asked for donations. Unfortunately, as is often the way with building work, the damage is so much worse than we imagined.
“As the weather gets worse, we are up against time to get it repaired and although it is very hard for us to come back again to ask for help, we have to. We would be so grateful if anyone can contribute to our fund online and I can say that their help will contribute to the building looking fantastic for many years to come.”
Running costs for heritage venues are an ongoing concern for operators across the UK and beyond, especially with rising costs for electricity, supplies and repairs.
It costs around £900,000 a year to look after the 200-year-old Royal Pavilion, without the addition of repairs, renovations and upgrading.
Brighton & Hove Museums is a registered charity that relies on donations, grants and admissions to operate its five heritage venues which include the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Preston Manor & Garden, Booth Museum of Natural History and Hove Museum of Creativity.
