5 & 6 Castle Square

June 2014

2009

This whimsical pairing, which so enlivens the streetscape, was created in the late Georgian period. In 1822, no.5, on the left, was occupied by A.N.Burkett, "Chemist to His Majesty", no.6, on the right, by a Miss Venner, "Dressmaker". This was the time when the Nash Royal Pavilion was reaching its final form, Prinny had just succeeded his father, and celebrity life in Brighton would no doubt have ensured good incomes for both these business. No. 5 later became a newsagent and circulation library.

It is good to see an old-established Brighton name "Gunn" still trading from no.6 and this seems almost to be reflected in the sensitive choice of light cream and what might be brunswick green for the external decor. Unfortunately the same cannot be said about no.5 which has suffered from some horrible paint jobs over the years. Even the present colour jars against the creams used on either side and the modern fascia is completely unsuitable for a listed building. One wonders why the Council do not exert more control over shop fronts, particularly on listed buildings, and require a more restrained, in-period style. This seems to happen in other cities with an architectural heritage and readily complied with by the owners.

The shallow 1st floor bay of no.5 is roofed with a metal semidome and the central window is separated from the side windows by pilasters in the form of bundled rods, or fasces. This is a feature of Empire-style furnishings of the period examples of which can be seen in the Pavilion.

No. 6 has a rather extraordinary mansard roof of slate the RH side of which is nearly vertical.