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Covent Garden, 1810
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Covent Garden, 1810
This is the new theatre, built after the disastrous fire of 1808; designed by Robert Smirke, it was the scene of riots when audiences complained of price increases
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Media ID 607195
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10058427
1808 1810 Audiences Covent Disastrous Price Riots Smirke Designed Increases
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative print depicts Covent Garden, London, in the year 1810, following the construction of the new theatre after the devastating fire of 1808. Designed by the renowned architect Robert Smirke, the theatre was a significant architectural addition to the cityscape, showcasing the neoclassical style that was popular during the Regency era. However, the grandeur of the new building was short-lived as audiences were met with price increases, leading to widespread discontent and riots. The print captures the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden, with its vibrant market scene and the theatre standing proudly in the background. The market, a hub of activity, was a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a diverse range of goods from fresh produce to handmade crafts. The theatre, with its impressive columns and grand entrance, was a beacon of culture and entertainment in the heart of the city. Despite the initial excitement, the price increases at the theatre sparked outrage among the working-class population. Theatregoers, who had previously enjoyed affordable prices, were now faced with exorbitant ticket costs. The situation came to a head in 1811, when riots broke out during a performance of "The Beggar's Opera." The unrest continued for several days, resulting in significant damage to the theatre and surrounding buildings. This print offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in London's theatrical history, highlighting the complex relationship between the public and the institutions that served them. The new Covent Garden Theatre, designed with grand ambitions, became a symbol of the tensions between the haves and have-nots in Regency-era Britain.
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