Description

TQ 3080 NW and 3081 SW CITY OF WESTMINSTER BOW STREET, WC2
59/22 ;72/ 5
9.1.70 Royal Opera House,
Covent Garden

G.V. I

Opera house. Rebuild of 1857-58 by E.M. Barry. Stucco and stone, slate
roof. Monumental Augustan classicism tinged with Italiante. Front 7 bays
wide. Imposing, pedimented, giant Corinthian hexastyle portico raised on
tall rusticated podium now with foyer doors but originally a porte cochere.
The flanking bays are framed by coupled giant pilasters and contain on
portico level niches with statues of Melpomene and Thalia by Rossi whilst
behind the portico is a long and partially altered bas relief frieze by
Flaxman salvaged from Smirke's theatre of 1808-9. Prominent crowning
cornice and panelled parapet surmounted by urn finials. The balcony level
of portico has had a later C.19 crush bar conservatory inserted. Return
elevations articulated by plain giant pilasters above podium. Very fine
interior and auditorium with few alterations to Barry's scheme, horse-shoe
tiers beneath saucer dome on elliptical arches and pendentives, enriched
proscenium, the sounding board with relief ornament; rich plasterwork etc.
Stage retains most extensive installation of Asphaleria machinery in
London: 1899-1902 by Edwin O. Sachs. Present building the successor of
Theatres Royal and Operas since 1731, still under Royal patent. Stuccoed
extension in same style to west with fly tower, 1980.

Survey of London; Vol. XXXV.

Listing NGR: TQ3036281019

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Royal Opera House at Wikipedia
• Royal Opera House official website
• Wikidata Q55018

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of History Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas
• 
  The Victorian House Manual (2nd Edition): How They Were Built, Improvements & Refurbishment, Solutions to All Common Defects - Includes Relevant ... ... Properties (Haynes Manual) (Haynes Manuals)
• 
  [(Bedfordshire, Huntingdon and Peterborough)] [By (author) Nikolaus Pevsner] published on (January, 1968)
• 
  Cork: City and County (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Ireland)
• 
  Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990: Updated version
• 
  Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of Historic Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas