Commercial & Entertainment
 Landmark  Buildings





     Savoy Theatre,  London  1881






It was Richard D’Oyly Carte who purchased land at the end of the Strand (1880) for the purpose of erecting a theatre for Gilbert & Sullivan Operas. The Savoy was the first theatre to be built after the Fire Act (1878). The stage boasted the latest improvements in mechanical machinery and all parts of the theatre were lit by electricity (some 1000 Swan lamps), although   emergency gas lighting was included. The Savoy Theatre claims to be the first public building in the world to be lit permanently in all areas by electric light (by Siemens & Co), and the first to darken the auditorium during theperformance.  Electricity was generated by steam engines on an adjacent site. The first opera to be produced was Patience, followed by Iolanthe (1882). The theatre has been rebuilt following the fire of 12th February 1990.     







   Broadcasting House  London   1931


 

AUGUST   2002