Faulty Wedding Cake Pavilion to be Dismantled at Waddesdon Manor
Structural issues with ceramic tiles force the removal of Joana Vasconcelos's ambitious garden sculpture.
1Structural Failure at Waddesdon
The 12-metre-high Wedding Cake pavilion at Waddesdon Manor is scheduled for removal following health and safety concerns. Installed in 2023, the sculptural structure suffered from defects in its decorative ceramic tiles. Buckinghamshire Council confirmed that no viable repair solutions exist, necessitating the dismantling of this Grade I-listed estate installation.
2Artistic Vision and Materials
Designed by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos, the pavilion featured three tiers covered in pastel-toned tiles from manufacturer Viúva Lamego. The artist intended the work to challenge traditional hierarchies of noble materials like marble. The structure's 11-metre diameter was dictated by the specific dimensions of the 14-by-14 centimetre tiles used throughout.
3Regulatory Approval Process
Because Waddesdon Manor is a protected site, the removal required formal approval for a change to listed building consent. The council mandated that the structure must be dismantled no later than January 2036. However, the Rothschild Foundation, which manages the estate, is seeking to expedite the removal process as quickly as possible.
4Landscape Restoration Requirements
The approved consent includes strict conditions regarding the site's future appearance. Once the pavilion is removed, the surrounding landscape must be returned to grass within a six-month window. This ensures the historic grounds of the 1870s estate are preserved according to the standards required for such a protected heritage location.
5Artist's Ambitious Track Record
Vasconcelos described the Wedding Cake as her most ambitious project to date, utilizing ceramics to redefine architectural settings. This installation marked her fourth project for the estate. Her recent work also includes a 24-metre-long textile tentacle installation created for the Dior Autumn Winter 2023 catwalk show, showcasing her diverse artistic range.
6Estate's Future Artistic Plans
Despite the failure of the Wedding Cake pavilion, Waddesdon Manor remains committed to contemporary art. A spokesperson confirmed plans to continue showcasing art within the landscape. The estate is currently developing a new contemporary sculpture trail, which is scheduled to open to the public in July 2027, maintaining its artistic legacy.
7Context of Architectural Demolition
The dismantling of the Wedding Cake follows a broader trend of high-profile architectural projects facing premature removal. For instance, the Rike Concert Hall in Tbilisi, designed by Studio Fuksas, is being demolished less than 15 years after completion. Like the pavilion, it faced structural challenges and never officially opened to the public.
8Legacy of the Estate
Built in the 1870s by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, Waddesdon Manor was originally designed to entertain guests and display extensive ceramic collections. The removal of the pavilion marks a shift in the estate's modern history, balancing the preservation of its historic character with the risks associated with experimental contemporary art installations.
Original article: Dezeen — Faulty Wedding Cake Pavilion to be Dismantled at Waddesdon Manor