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Alhambra Leicester Square CC97_00503
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Alhambra Leicester Square CC97_00503
Alhambra theatre, Leicester Square, Westminster, London 1870-'82. York & Son wet collodion glass plate negative.
The Alhambra in Londons Leicester Square was the brainchild of the impresario and showman Edward Tyrell Smith who bought it in 1858 for the staging of circus acts and later musical theatre. Its Moorish styling included domes, minarets, and horseshoe arches. A fire in 1882 led to its rebuilding, but it was demolished in 1936 as the popularity of music hall entertainment declined. It was replaced by an Oden Cinema (see BB87_03577)
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 10928855
© Historic England
Archive Leisure Picturing England Recreation Victorian
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, titled CC97_00503, showcases the Alhambra Theatre located in the heart of London's Leicester Square during the Victorian era. The Alhambra, a masterpiece of impresario Edward Tyrell Smith, opened its doors in 1858, offering a unique blend of circus acts and later musical theatre. The theatre's enchanting Moorish architecture, with its domes, minarets, and horseshoe arches, transported visitors to exotic lands. The Alhambra's allure drew in crowds from far and wide, making it a popular destination for recreation and leisure. The image captures the essence of this bygone era, with its intricate details and atmospheric setting. The wet collodion glass plate negative process, a popular photographic technique during the Victorian period, adds to the photograph's historical significance. Unfortunately, the Alhambra's glory was short-lived. A devastating fire in 1882 forced its closure and subsequent rebuilding. However, the theatre's popularity waned as the era of music hall entertainment began to decline. By 1936, the Alhambra had been demolished, making way for a new Odeon Cinema. This photograph, preserved by Historic England, offers a glimpse into London's rich history and the captivating allure of the Alhambra Theatre. It serves as a reminder of the city's past, and the ever-changing landscape of its cultural offerings.
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