Living Monuments: A Discovery of the Pavilion Elms

Ashley Brown, a postgraduate researcher in Curating Collections and Heritage at the University of Brighton, has been working on a project to map, reframe and bring fresh visibility to the Royal Pavilion's historic elm collection. The project combines technical archival research and satellite geolocation with accessible interpretation, transforming the trees from background greenery into Regency landmarks. The elm collection has a complicated taxonomy, with eleven recorded species, including the Wych Elm and the English Elm. The trees have been geolocated and assigned accurate co-ordinates and what3words locations, making them easily accessible for visitors to enjoy. The research aims to create a living archive of ecological history, horticultural craft, and civic memory, and will shape new audio tours and signage, inviting everyone to explore the collection.