Overview

The Shining Lights of Service was a light installation created by Chila Burman for the Adelaide balcony of the Royal Pavilion, Brighton. Inspired by the heritage of India, the artwork is a tribute to the Indian soldiers cared for in the Royal Pavilion between 1914 and 1916, when this site was used as a hospital during the First World War.

In 2022, Burman visited the Royal Pavilion, where she drew inspiration from the palace’s opulent and dramatic interiors. She was accompanied by historian Kiran Sahota of Believe in Me CIC, a specialist in the history of South Asia.

The installation included a phoenix, a symbol of fierceness and protection with Indian peacock style feathers to its tail. Its form was inspired by a phoenix featured on a carpet inside the Pavilion. A set of Indian Ayurvedic surgical tools were also represented in the display, included as symbols of health and healing. These new light installations were displayed alongside earlier works by the artist.

Audiences
11 November 2023 – 28 January 2024
Royal Pavilion, Brighton
Project Partners

Brighton and Hove Museums and in collaboration with Believe in Me CIC

Communities and Places

As part of this commission a new film was produced, exploring the history of the Royal Pavilion as a hospital for Indian soldiers. 

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery featured this commission at their Take Part event, a collaboration with African Night Fever, Brighton and Hove Black History and The Dome. Thousands of local people attended sessions over the weekend. The programme included a ‘meet the artist’ event and a session on the history of Indian Soldiers in Brighton.  

Watch Film

© Leah Rustomjee

Artist Chila Burman discusses her work on this commission

Find Out More

  • Nicola Coleby, Creative Programme Manager, Brighton & Hove Museums discusses this commission.