Description

TQ 2981 SW CITY OF WESTMINSTER ARGYLL STREET, W1
57/41
28.6.72 The London Palladium
Theatre

- II*

Theatre. 1910 by Frank Matcham, replacing Hengler's Cirque. Stucco, slate roof. 2
storeys and attic. 7-bay front in form of octastyle pedimented temple facade, the
centre 2 columns omitted for main theatre entrance approached by flight of steps with
double pairs of panelled and glazed doors sheltered by cantilevered glazed canopy;
the 3 centre bays above treated as open arcaded loggia. Outer bays have round arched
doorways with foliage enriched keystones and spandrel panels to 1st floor with
similarly arched windows, mask keystones and panelled aprons below boldly bracketed
sills. The giant Corinthian columns are fluted, on tall pedestals, full entablature
and overall pediment (with 3 oculi) surmounted by sculptured figure groups. Interior
unaltered and one of Matcham's finest - foyer and circle bar in French rococo taste;
richly decorated auditorium with classical and rococo details; 2 tiers of
cantilevered balconies run into 2 giant niches on flanks, that nearest stage with 3
tiers of boxes and single pedimented and bowed balcony stage boxes; architrave
mouldings flanking proscenium which has a segmented arched frieze and bold cornice on
paired brackets broken to centre by segmented pediment, on massive consoles,
containing cartouche and mask; ceiling has bracketed cornice and is segmental
vaulted with heavily enriched frame to lantern etc.

Survey of London; Vol. XXXI.

Listing NGR: TQ2915281154

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• London Palladium at Wikipedia
• London Palladium official website
• Wikidata Q676755

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

• 
  Specifications for Building Conservation: Volume 1: External Structure: Practical Examples v. 2
• 
  Hertfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Kent: West and the Weald: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Lancashire: Liverpool and the South-West (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  The Victorian House Manual (2nd Edition): How They Were Built, Improvements & Refurbishment, Solutions to All Common Defects - Includes Relevant ... ... Properties (Haynes Manual) (Haynes Manuals)
• 
  Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990