Project overview
Chapel Royal, Brighton was opened for worship in 1795, two years earlier the Foundation Stone was laid by the Prince Regent. Originally it was intended as a Chapel of Ease to St Nicholas, the old Parish Church, to accommodate Brighton’s seasonal fluctuation in population, however, it quickly became one of Brighton’s most important churches.
A total of 250 terra cotta replacement units were required at Chapel Royal. The restoration included 4 replacement Gargoyles, the complete parapet balustrade and a variety of other specialised pieces including finials and clock face surround blocks. Bespoke tower cladding units were also manufactured, with special attention to detail given to the base of the new spire.
HMDW Architects were well suited to picking up the restoration work needed and succeeded in doing so. Julian Vallis of HMDW Architects was awarded the King of Prussia Gold Medal for the major repair and conservation work to church architecture presented at Chapel Royal. Prince Nicholas von Preussen awarded the architect, praising Paye Stonework & Restoration (the main contractor). The judges were able to comment on why this Grade II listed building stood out, saying, “it is an exemplary scheme that had overcome complex challenges in a harsh coastal environment and because of its extensive use of building decoration in Terra Cotta which all had to be exactly reproduced.” The Chapel Royal was also awarded ‘Highly Commended Ecclesiastical Building’ in the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards.
