Pantheon Theatre collection, 1789-1833.

ArchivalResource

Wyatt, James, 1746-1813. Pantheon Theatre collection, 1789-1833.

Pantheon Theatre collection, 1789-1833.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/316930917

The collection consists primarily of architectural plans and broadsides. It includes six architectural plans of London's Pantheon Theatre; in chronological order they are: one season advertisement dated 1789, which includes a plan view of theatre seating for the earlier Great Concert Room, three undated plans of the remodeled Pantheon, circa 1790-1792; and two plans of a later, rebuilt opera theatre, dated 1831 and 1832. These items constitute one of the most complete architectural drawings for a theatre in this era, detailing stage size, placement, and seating. The circa 1791 plans document the theatre when it was under the ownership of English patrons of Italian opera, the Duke of Bedford and Marquis of Salisbury. The plans included in this collection document the extensive alterations to the exhibition hall and expansion of the building to make room for a small stage and five tiers of boxes. The collection also includes two historical accounts of unknown origin, on folio sheets--one of the Pantheon and another of the Lyceum, or English Opera. The historical sketch of the Pantheon describes its construction and architectural details first as an exhibition hall, then as the home of the Italian Opera Company, and the 1792 fire. An undated engraving in this collection titled, "Interior view of the late Pantheon Theatre as it appeared in its dilapidated state," published at J. Netherdift's Lithographic Office, possibly dates from this era. The collection also includes three broadsides. One from 1832 seeks a lessee for the theatre. Apparently this effort failed, for two duplicate broadsides of 1833 announce an auction of the premises. The 1831 and 1832 plans noted above show nearly identical buildings, and were probably commissioned to advertise the premises.

12 items.

Pennsylvania State University Libraries