Buckingham Palace Opens to the Public for the First Time with Chinese-Inspired Decor

The newly renovated East Wing of Buckingham Palace features porcelain lions, a nine-tiered pagoda, and lotus-shaped chandeliers, marking its first-ever public opening in its 175-year history. Opening this month, the East Wing of London's Buckingham Palace includes a series of interconnected luxurious rooms, including the central room that leads to the palace's famous balcony overlooking the Mall. Originally constructed by Edward Blore between 1847 and 1849 to provide space for Queen Victoria's growing family, the wing surrounds a previously U-shaped courtyard. After five years of restoration work, during which over 3,500 artworks and other items were temporarily removed, the building will be open to the public as part of the annual summer palace tours.

The palace interior is filled with 18th-century chinoiserie designs from King George IV, transferred to Buckingham Palace after he sold his seaside villa, the Brighton Royal Pavilion, in 1850. Prince Albert oversaw the initial decoration. The central room features an oversized lotus-shaped glass lacquer chandelier illuminating a carpet with geometric floral patterns. Visitors can also find a pair of 18th-century Chinese royal silk hangings.

The Yellow Drawing Room is characterized by two ornate nine-tiered Chinese pagodas, named for its sunny curtains and sofas, with hand-painted wallpaper meticulously preserved by a team. The room's gilded fireplace mantel also displays a 'Kirin clock' adorned with turquoise porcelain lions and a small Japanese Hotei and god of fortune figure.

Elsewhere in the wing, the 240-foot-long principal corridor spans the entire palace, laid with a bright red carpet. Ebony cabinets featuring Japanese panels contrast with various royal paintings by European historical artists such as Thomas Gainsborough and Franz Xaver Winterhalter. Striking patterns, including dragons and gilded curtain rods, are visible throughout the wing.

The Royal Collection Trust stated, 'The collection in the pavilion reflects King George IV's love for Asian art and design. These items were transferred to the East Wing, inspiring George IV's use of a Chinese theme for the main rooms' decoration.' Visitors to the palace halls can also view the recently unveiled portrait of King Charles III, painted in bright red by Jonathan Yeo, displayed in the banquet hall.

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Post by _StormChaser | Mar 3, 2025