Brighton Pride, 2002

This oil painting shows the Brighton Pride festival taking place at the Level. It was painted by Christine Jones in 2002.

Capturing the moment

Our Marketing Officer Rob White on what this painting means to him:

‘I love this oil painting of Brighton Pride. Despite the location of Pride having moved from the Level to Preston Park, this piece really captures the energy and vibrancy of the day.

From drag queens to dancing, protest to art, fashion to sport – Brighton Pride is a multi-faceted event which supports and elevates all LGBTQ+ people regardless of who they are and what they’re interested in; it aims to provide spaces foreveryone.

This is why it is an important date in the calendar each year for me and also why I’m a passionate organiser of the Royal Pavilion & Museums’ participation in Pride each year. As an organisation our support for the LGBTQ+ community needs to extend outside the walls of our museums and the objects in our collections and be visible in the city, so taking part in the Pride festivities is a great way to do this.

Unfortunately Brighton Pride has been cancelled this summer due to the coronavirus crisis, but I’m sure it will be back and bigger than ever in 2021 and I can’t wait for us to be a part of that.’

Things to spot

There is a lot going on in this painting. Here are a few question to get you looking for small details:

  1. What Pokemon character has made an appearance?
  2. How much of a discount is being offered on the skirts for sale?
  3. What type of bird is surveying the crowd?
  4. What mode of transport can be seen running?
  5. Who is offering an Apocalypse?
Answers
  1. Pikachu. Long before he became a detective or lurked on the streets of Pokemon Go he was a popular balloon animal. You can find him over on the right.
  2. The stall on the left is offering half price off skirts. Bargain.
  3. A magpie can be seen on the top right. There were probably plenty of shiny piercings to catch his eye.
  4. On the top left of the painting you can see a train running across the viaduct. There is also a small blue car by the white marquee, but we sincerely hope it’s engine was turned off.
  5. The ‘Apocalypse’ is a ride offered in the top right. Would you really fancy a ride on something called the ‘Apocalypse’?

 

 

2 comments

  1. Hallo! Just need to point out, that there are two magpies in this painting (1 for sorrow, 2 for joy). Can you find the second – I did rather hide it away as a joke. Christine Jones.

    1. I hadn’t spotted these. Really nice to know that there is even more detail hidden away in your painting!

      Kevin

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