Maisie Broadhead: Peepers

Royal Pavilion, Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, until March 1

Maisie Broadhead’s detailed photographic parodies of work by old Masters such as Vermeer and Velasquez have been shown in the National Gallery.

But for her latest commission she has been tasked with peeling back layers of history at Brighton’s Royal Pavilion.

She has strong connections to the city – she studied 3D design at Brighton University between 1999 and 2002 – and was keen to return to respond to a commission for an attraction she calls magical.

For Peepers, Broadhead has produced a series of lightboxes to sit over five French windows in the Royal Pavilion Music Room.

She was inspired by stories about the Prince Regent, George IV, who had the vast 18th century playhouse-cum-retreat built.

“One of the things which struck me was that towards the end of his life he became a recluse and he didn’t want to leave.

“There were lots of cartoons about him and he suddenly went into himself. He couldn’t face it. After many years of partying and being an extrovert, that someone so flamboyant would suddenly feel the pressure of the public’s gaze was fascinating.”

Broadhead wants visitors to the decadent Music Room to feel as if they are being watched, judged and spied on. The giant images will attempt to portray characters who would have meant something to George IV. Their faces will peer into the room, making visitors feel as if they are in a doll’s house.

“He had a young daughter who died, wives with whom his relationship went wrong, a father who disapproved... some are based on these people.”

Wider themes about culture – and our fascination with celebrities and royals – have also been worked into the exhibition.

“A bigger thing is our fascination to be nosy. Characters are poking their noses in trying hard to get a look – and there is still a sense of that today, how we treat people who are famous, there is a fascination with what is behind the person. We always want to know that bit more.” Broadhead spent ten months creating the work – making props and costumes and leading a photo-shoot – which is the third part of Pavilion Contemporary. The programme started in 2010 with Clare Twomey’s A Dark Day in Paradise and it was followed by Geraldine Pilgrim’s The Lost Pagodas in 2012. Nicola Coleby, creative programmer for the Royal Pavilion, has worked with Maisie Broadhead to bring Peepers to the landmark. “Maisie’s captivating new work for this commission will transform the visitor’s experience of the Music Room, and provoke historical reflection as well as commenting on contemporary society.”

Daily 9.30am to 5pm, tickets £11, residents £5.50. Call 0300 029 0900