The frank matcham society donated its small collection to the theatres trust, which is the national body for the protection of theatres old and new. Purchased by the bbc in 1953 to use as a television studiotheatre. The new hippodrome casino is housed partly in the former hippodrome theatre which was designed for edward moss by renowned theatre architect frank matcham. In 1968 the london coliseum became home of sadlers wells opera. Below is an article from famous devon figures on my great, great, great, great uncle frank.
The london hippodrome was designed for the theatre impresario edward moss by architect frank matcham and opened its doors to the public 15 days into the start of the twentieth century. Dec 15, 2008 frank matcham was the most prolific theatre architect of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Theatre architect 1st edition by walker, brian mercer isbn. Preserving the work of master builder frank matcham. It has been taken from the theatres trust guide to british theatres 17501950 a gazetteer.
Books go search hello select your address best sellers customer service new releases find a gift whole foods. Grand opera house theatre database theatre architecture. These are original works, with those that still stand, whole or in part, shown in bold. Book your tickets call the box office on 01253 290 190 please mention you saw it on visit fylde coast. This was largely because of the vigilance and ingenuity of the architect frank matcham 18541920, who designed more than 150 theatres and music halls in. While theres no official record of how many theatres the architect worked on, it is estimated he designed at least 80 theatres, and renovated many more. Frank matcham was the most prolific theatre architect of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Between 1879 and 1914, matcham was involved in the design or rebuild of over 150 theatres. Francis frank matcham was one of the most prolific theatre architects of all time. Belfast blackstaff press 1980 178pp illustrated with bw plates and line ills. According to the dramatist alan bennett, there was a matcham theatre i. Frank matcham project gutenberg selfpublishing ebooks. Frank matcham is one of the most acclaimed theatre architects of the. It has a capacity of 457 seats in the main theatre and offers a wide variety of shows a little something for everyone.
This category has the following 20 subcategories, out of 20 total. Uncover the secrets of the past, and appreciate this iconic grade ii listed edwardian playhouse from a new perspective, with this behindthescenes tour. Published by blackstaff press in 1980 and edited by brian. It was designed by noted theatre architect frank matcham and was used for drama, despite its name.
Modern films show them in all their glory, sometimes. He is responsible for many of the finest theatres in britain, having designed at least 80 in his lifetime and and designed refurbishments for many more. Designed for sir oswald stoll by frank matcham, the coliseum first opened in 1904. The grand theatre under its many names, has been a major part of the social and cultural life of lancaster since being built in 1782. Frank matcham supreme in theatre design second of nine children of elizabeth and charles, was born at east street, newton abbot on november 22, 1854. Sachs in his book modern opera houses and theatres makes the point that theatre design is governed in its requirements by investors, which means that theatre architecture was put into the hands of those who were good planners, good constructors and businessmen, with the qualification of being able to provide for a maximum audience at a minimum outlay. Born in devon in 1854, he was apprenticed to a local architect and to a quantity surveyor in london. Whats on at blackpool grand theatre visit fylde coast. Rupert rhymes obe, former chair of the society of west end theatres and the theatres trust, will present this fascinating and informative talk about the life and career of this countrys most eminent theatre architect frank matcham matchams distinguished design career includes over 100 theatres, including the london palladium, buxton opera house, hackney empire, blackpool tower ballroom. Frank matcham throughout the nineteenth century the approach to theatre building.
The theatre has been redeveloped from renowned theatre architect frank matchams original design to combine beautiful restoration with twenty first century comfort and facilities, which include a new purpose built rehearsal and audition space that is available for hire. Frank matcham 18541920 list of theatres listed here are the significant works of frank matcham. There is foxing to the page topsseen when the book is closed. It is considered by many to be matchams masterpiece. The public enquiry which led to this protection heard evidence from many experts, and it is appropriate that their words should be recorded and remembered to ensure the continued life of this theatre. Frank matcham walking london one postcode at a time. The society is a membership organisation, open to anyone with an interest in theatre and architecture. Frank matcham tour and talk portsmouth festivities 2020. Frank matcham 22 november 1854 18 may 1920 was an english theatrical architect and designer. It keeps a watchful eye on the remaining 25 matcham theatres still. Opened as the grand opera house on january 9th, 1893.
Dedicated to the appreciation and enjoyment of great theatres everywhere, the frank matcham society was set up following the centenary of the wakefield theatre royal in 1994. Built in 1911 for the variety magnate sir alfred butt 18781962. He was a great commercial success, introducing new. During his 40year career, he was responsible for the design and construction of over 90 theatres and the redesign and refurbishment of a further 80 throughout the united kingdom. Robinson, his future fatherinlaw, a few years later. The winter garden theatre formerly occupied the site until 1965. I estimate frank matcham as the most significant theatre architect of his day dr. Specialist architects were brought in, and from the 1880s, architect frank matcham was arguably the most prolific. See the secrets of the great stage, take in blackpools hidden gem, learn about flamboyant architect frank matcham and explore the warren of staircases that lead to the stars, dressing rooms and beyond. It had seating for 1,200 and had a 50 feet deep stage. Frank matcham 22 nov 1854, newton abbot, devon, united kingdom 17 may 1920, southendonsea, essex, united kingdom probably the most prolific theatre architect of all times, frank matcham built 82 theatres as original architect and was involved in minor and major rebuildings of 79 further theatres between 1873 and 19.
Book condition used binding hardcover publisher dacre. That matcham was able to fulfil these requirements is shown by the continual demand for his services. While theres no official record of how many theatres the architect worked on, it is estimated he designed at least 80 theatres. Regular newsletter plus an annual journal with expert articles about historic theatres visits to theatres designed by matcham and others in the uk including backstage tours international visits to explore interesting theatre buildings. In the 1870s he joined the firm of jethro thomas robinson, theatre architectural adviser to the lord chamberlain, and subsequently married his employers daughter. T hroughout the nineteenth century the approach to theatre building underwent considerable changes in the total number of premises as well as an increase, not only in the requirement for improved. He was known for his designs of many london theaters including the hackney empire 1901. Numerous and frequentlyupdated resource results are available from this search. A 2006 photograph made when the chariot and other metal parts were painted grey. His father, who was manager of the torquay brewery in warren place and the. A gilded statue of ballerina anna pavlova is installed on the theatres cupola which is subsequently lost when removed for safekeeping during world war ii. It was closed on 30th may 1930 and was remodeled to open on. However, formatting rules can vary widely between applications and fields of interest or study. The english architect frank matcham was responsible for the design and refurbishment of around 164 buildings, mostly theatres, throughout the united kingdom.
In 1897 frank matcham perhaps the theatre architect, designed and supervised an extensive remodelling of the stage and auditorium. Marvin carlson notes in his book, places of performance, that audience spaces have almost always reflected with accuracy the class preoccupations of their society. They have all been very helpful to me in the creation of this site and form just a small, but recommended, selection of the many other books that have helped to make the site what it is today. Matcham was best known for his work in london, under moss empires, which included the designs of the hippodrome, hackney empire, london coliseum, london palladium, and the victoria palace. Sachs in his book modern opera houses and theatres 1896 makes the point that. Designed by noted theatre architect frank matcham for j.
The alexandra theatre was designed by theatre architect frank matcham, opening on 27 december 1897. During his career he designed or significantly reconstructed over 160 theatres in the british isles from aberdeen to portsmouth and from dublin to norwich. Frank matcham was an english theatre architect and designer. He entered the architectural profession when he was 21, in 1874, and joined the practice of j. Towards the beginning of the century, the theatre staged a variety of acts as a music hall. The gillian lynne theatre formerly new london theatre is a west end theatre located on the corner of drury lane and parker street in covent garden, in the london borough of camden. Originally a variety theatre, the london coliseum, with its capacity of 2,359, is the west ends largest theatre. Oclcs webjunction has pulled together information and resources to assist library staff as they consider how to handle coronavirus. The society is a membership organisation, open to anyone with.
The frank matcham society exists to develop interest in the theatre architects work benefits include. Built in 1903 as a music hall and designed by theatre architect frank matcham. Media in category frank matcham designed this theatre black plaque, london hippodrome the following 3 files are in this category, out of 3 total. Frank matcham and 22 related entities entities finder. The british listed buildings site gives the location as both victoria street and allington street, westminster, london sw1e 5 sw1h 0np. On 1 may 2018, the theatre was officially renamed the gillian lynne theatre in honour of gillian lynne. Matcham completed his first solo design, the elephant and castle theatre, in june. It was built as a playhouse drama theatre for frederick william purcell who also operated other london suburban theatres including the marlborough theatre, holloway, the. Frank matcham designed many theatres, some of which have been used in feature films as location sets. Frank matchams theatres index an interview with frank matchem. The book itself is very good minus and the dustjacket is only a little worn around the edges. It is a superb example of the grand architecture of the late victorian era and is one of the masterpieces of design by frank matcham, the most eminent theatre architect of his time.
Frank matcham 22 november 1854 18 may 1920 was one of the most prolific theatre architects of the late victorian and edwardian era. During my trip i visited the grand opera house in belfast, one of the great playhouses created by frank matcham, the most prolific theatre architect of all time. As well as looking wonderful, it features a cleverly cantilevered auditorium which ensures pretty much every seat from the top to the bottom has an unimpeded view of the stage as no pillars are required to keep it up. Jul 15, 2016 this was largely because of the vigilance and ingenuity of the architect frank matcham 18541920, who designed more than 150 theatres and music halls in his extraordinary 50year career, from. At the outset it specialised in a mixed programme of variety and circus performers including as the name suggests a number of equestrian acts. The london palladium is a beautiful grade ii listed building designed by the great theatre architect frank matcham. Charlie chaplin was one of the first performers to appear there. T he following books and magazines are highly recommended for anyone interested in theatre architecture and the history of theatres and music halls, past and present. On 1 may 2018, the theatre was officially renamed the gillian lynne theatre in honour of gillian. Join our costumed guide the renowned theatre architect frank matcham as he invites you to explore the magnificence of buxton opera house on a 45 minute tour of one of his finest masterpieces. Reliable information about the coronavirus covid19 is available from the world health organization current situation, international travel. Theatreshire books, 2008 keywords alan bennett frank matcham theater architecture stage drama theatre architect history design nineteenth century. The grand opera house and its marvellous resurrection are the raison detre of this book.
Rupert rhymes obe, former chair of the society of west end theatres and the theatres trust, will present this fascinating and informative talk about the life and career of this countrys most eminent theatre architect frank matcham. Frank matcham 22 november 1854 17 may 1920 was an english theatre architect and designer. Out of these 80 theatres, less than 20 still survive today. Frank matcham theatre architect edited from an article by michael sell from a 1977 programme for the blackpool grand theatre frank matchams theatres index an interview with frank matchem.