Royal Panopticon
Encyclopedia
The Royal Panopticon of Science and Art, to give the full title, was one of the grand social institutions and architectural splendours of Victorian London, that is now lost. It was given a Royal Charter
in 1850 and in July 1851 a lease was taken out on a premium site for 60 years, and building could commence. The Panopticon was built on the Eastern side of Leicester Square
, opening on 18 March 1854. As a showcase venue for the very best achievements in Science and Arts of the time, it attracted 1,000 visitors per day. Two years later however it closed, obtained a license for theatrical performances and was re-opened as the Alhambra Theatre
. The site is now occupied by the Odeon Leicester Square.
, Sir Humphry Davy
and of course Queen Victoria. It boasted that it had the largest organ in the world when it opened, and the organist of the day, Edmund Thomas Chipp
gave daily recitals. When the Panopticon closed in 1856 to become a theatre, the organ was sold to St Pauls Cathedral.
Royal Charter
A royal charter is a formal document issued by a monarch as letters patent, granting a right or power to an individual or a body corporate. They were, and are still, used to establish significant organizations such as cities or universities. Charters should be distinguished from warrants and...
in 1850 and in July 1851 a lease was taken out on a premium site for 60 years, and building could commence. The Panopticon was built on the Eastern side of Leicester Square
Leicester Square
Leicester Square is a pedestrianised square in the West End of London, England. The Square lies within an area bound by Lisle Street, to the north; Charing Cross Road, to the east; Orange Street, to the south; and Whitcomb Street, to the west...
, opening on 18 March 1854. As a showcase venue for the very best achievements in Science and Arts of the time, it attracted 1,000 visitors per day. Two years later however it closed, obtained a license for theatrical performances and was re-opened as the Alhambra Theatre
Alhambra Theatre
The Alhambra was a popular theatre and music hall located on the east side of Leicester Square, in the West End of London. It was built originally as The Royal Panopticon of Science and Arts opening on 18 March 1854. It was closed after two years and reopened as the Alhambra. The building was...
. The site is now occupied by the Odeon Leicester Square.
Features
The Royal Panopticon was an imposing iconic building flanked by 100 ft minarets. This was a very large building for the time. The facade had tiles made by Minton and shields and coats of arms of the most prominent scientists, writers and artists, including Oliver GoldsmithOliver Goldsmith
Oliver Goldsmith was an Irish writer, poet and physician known for his novel The Vicar of Wakefield , his pastoral poem The Deserted Village , and his plays The Good-Natur'd Man and She Stoops to Conquer...
, Sir Humphry Davy
Humphry Davy
Sir Humphry Davy, 1st Baronet FRS MRIA was a British chemist and inventor. He is probably best remembered today for his discoveries of several alkali and alkaline earth metals, as well as contributions to the discoveries of the elemental nature of chlorine and iodine...
and of course Queen Victoria. It boasted that it had the largest organ in the world when it opened, and the organist of the day, Edmund Thomas Chipp
Edmund Thomas Chipp
Edmund Thomas Chipp was an English organist and composer. His compositions were principally church organ music and oratorios.-Life and career:Chipp was born in London on Christmas Day, December 25, 1823...
gave daily recitals. When the Panopticon closed in 1856 to become a theatre, the organ was sold to St Pauls Cathedral.
Sources
- William White (1854) http://openlibrary.org/b/OL20348156M/illustrated_hand_book_of_the_Royal_Panopticon_of_Science_and_Art
- Vanished London - The Royal Panopticon of Science and Art
- History of the Leicester Square Site