NEWCASTLE | Theatre Royal Restoration | Completed - Page 9

delicolor · July 25th, 2011, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paddytoonleics

These were up on the inside of the pillars, and in use, right up until the theatre closed for this restoration. They've just been moved round to the front and painted.

I didn't realise they were the same ones, they look new. That is probably because they have been sand blasted down to the bare metal and then repainted. They may well stay green, the wrought ironwork outside Matcham's restored Douglas Gaiety is also that colour.

However, if they do stay green, I'd expect the two flanking brackets on the walls to be repainted as well to match.

Steve Ellwood · July 25th, 2011, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delicolor

I imagine that the fittings will be round or teardrop shaped rather than the tubular ones we are used to as they are trying to get the look back to Matcham's 1901 style.

These look like the original lamps on the Grey Street side of the pillars on the Newcastle Libraries Archive Collection @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/newcast...n/photostream/ - by the way, notice that the 1905 photograph informs us that the whole of Grey Street including Grey's Monument has been shifted to Gateshead High Street!

image hosted on flickr

Clearer example here - dated circa 1900:

image hosted on flickr

delicolor · July 25th, 2011, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Ellwood

These look like the original lamps on the Grey Street side of the pillars on the Newcastle Libraries Archive Collection @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/newcast...n/photostream/ - by the way, notice that the 1905 photograph informs us that the whole of Grey Street including Grey's Monument has been shifted to Gateshead High Street!

image hosted on flickr

Clearer example here - dated circa 1900:

image hosted on flickr

Cracking find, Steve. Notice that there are (simpler) bracket lamps inside the colonnade on the back of the pillars. I was wondering whether the flanking pendants were added later but obviously not. (You can't see one on the programme cover painting).

delicolor · July 25th, 2011, 07:01 PM

It also occurs to me that if these photos are indeed 1900 and 1905, then the lanterns were untouched by Matcham, who after all had the internal reconstruction to worry about.

paddytoonleics · July 25th, 2011, 07:05 PM

From these pictures it looks like there was something more basic on the pillar-backs under the portico too. Presumably lost when the front brackets were moved round to the inside.

Interesting to see if they try and recreate something now they've moved the originals back to their correct place, or if there'll now be nothing under the portico?

(Whilst I'm all for being true to the original sitings of these in aid of the accuarate restoration, I still preferred the previous decision to move them round, however, and much prefer the pillar-fronts without!)

.

delicolor · July 25th, 2011, 10:24 PM

I have a piece of TRN headed notepaper in my collection which came from a Production Manager. I came across it today and realised something I hadn't noticed before- what was written on the back in pencil was the weekly salary calculations for the 1977/78 Pantomime!

I suspect that the Data Prevention Act prevents me from revealing the details as some of the names might be just about still going.

Notice that bit on the bottom, all theatrical letters used to say that.

paddytoonleics · July 26th, 2011, 10:49 AM

Some (and more-so emails) still do!

***Newcastle Historian*** · July 26th, 2011, 02:35 PM

.
Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 20: W/C 25th July.

Week 20 'Builders Diary' not yet published (as at Tuesday 26th July).

Week 20 PHOTOS . . .

Here are a selection of Rory's latest (Week 20) photos . . .

New Grand Circle Bar, formed from the old base with a new canopy concealing the new Air Con Ductwork . .

Further progress on the Stalls Tiling . .

New Handrail around front of Grand Circle, which will be covered in new material . .

View from the Gallery, showing the new Stage Lifts being formed . .

Close up view of the above lifts, in the Stalls Area . .

NINE more "Week 20" Photos added on 31st July 2011 . .

New Carpetting in Grand Circle . .

View up towards new boxes at back of Grand Circle

Rear of Seating Area of Stalls . .

Walkway into Stalls, at rear wall of Stalls . .

More of the new Stalls Tiles . .

New Feature Lights . .

Mew Flambeau Feature Lights . .

New Vestibule Ceiling Art - 1 . .

New Vestibule Ceiling Art - 2 . .

Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatr...le/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restor...lding-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

delicolor · July 26th, 2011, 07:33 PM

Here is a photocopy I have of a handbill for the opening show at the new Theatre Royal Grey Street, way before Frank Matcham was a twinkle and 25 years before the Blaydon races was celebrated in song.

***Newcastle Historian*** · July 26th, 2011, 07:59 PM

.
February 20th 1837 . . .

That's the date I was writing about (in connection with the Grey Street Theatre Royal only taking seven months to build) in my post on 17th July HERE . . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newcastle Historian

In the post 142 on this thread (earlier today) I refer to the book "Newcastle upon Tyne THEATRES ROYAL", by Ken Robinson.

That book confirms that the foundations of the Grey Street Theatre Royal were laid in July 1836. Then, in November 1836 (erroneously recorded below in the book extract as November 1837) Richard Grainger, the developer of the Grey Street theatre, informed the owners of the old 'Mosley Street' Theatre Royal (who were to move into the Grey Street theatre and allow Grainger to demolish their Mosley Street premises) that he could not meet the target completion date for Grey Street of 1st December 1836.

So, the target building period appears to have been five months!

He said he needed another two months, so it seems it actually took seven months to build (to January 1837) with the Grey Street Theatre Royal starting its first season on 20th February 1837 . . .

. . . and then you come up with the VERY handbill delicor.

Amazing, just what this Forum is all about!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by delicolor

Here is a photocopy I have of a handbill for the opening show at the new Theatre Royal Grey Street, way before Frank Matcham was a twinkle and 25 years before the Blaydon races was celebrated in song.

.

delicolor · July 26th, 2011, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newcastle Historian

.
February 20th 1837 . . .

That's the date I was writing about (in connection with the Grey Street Theatre Royal only taking seven months to build) HERE . .

. . . and then you come up with the VERY handbill delicor.

Amazing, just what this Forum is all about!!

If you look closely, it looks like they were on a very tight schedule to finish with the comments about the Box plan being in the bookshop.

delicolor · July 27th, 2011, 01:37 PM

Rory has put up more photos today.

From the caption, the Castle in the Longboat is new.

delicolor · July 27th, 2011, 01:43 PM

And another interesting touch-

Creation (or restitution) of an illuminated torch above the proscenium under Shakespeare.

Edit- Roy calls it a "new flambeau light".

***Newcastle Historian*** · July 31st, 2011, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delicolor

Rory has put up more photos today.

Selection of new week 20 photos dated 27/07 and 29/07 added to the existing "Week 20 Post" at post 168, on 31st July 2011.

NINE new photos added.

Rory Gibson · August 1st, 2011, 09:35 AM

Half of the new seats are arriving frm Belgium today and installation will commence tomorrow. I aim to take some pics of them as they arrive and also as they are installed.

delicolor · August 1st, 2011, 10:28 PM

The external lantern brackets are staying green, confirmed by the Theatres trust here

***Newcastle Historian*** · August 3rd, 2011, 05:03 PM

.
Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 21: W/C 1st August.

Only 6 weeks to go!

•The Gallery and Amphitheatre are now nearly complete, and as the seats arrived this week, they are now being installed here first. The new lighting bridge is in and has been painted to match the ceiling and with movable arms, it is another world from the old lighting bridge. The Amphitheatre is starting to look particularly plush, with its ornate carpet and re-clad balcony - it will make a lovely private area with lots of leg room and a great view!

•The Upper Circle is coming together rapidly with only final touches to plasterwork and carpeting being made before the seats go in.

•In the Grand Circle, the gorgeous Matcham aisle arcades are fully in and painted - in the next couple of weeks they will be padded with velvet to match the seats. The carpets have now all been laid in, ready for the seats to be installed, and decoration has begun on the near-side boxes. The timbering on the walkway at the rear of The Grand has been painted - this gallery will give much greater ease of movement to the audience.

•The stage-side boxes are almost completely finished now with all the technical framework in and ready for installation of lights and sound equipment. As these offer a very poor view (they were originally intended for the "great and good" of Newcastle to be seen in, rather than to see!) - it is a much better use of space to have technical equipment here rather than clogging up the sides of the stage, as previously. The result? A much better view of the stage from everywhere in the auditorium!

•In the Stalls, some beautiful plasterwork details are now being added, including two majestic viking ships at either end of the vaulted ceiling - these are symbolic of Newcastle's past and the story of the city.

•Decorative tiling is well underway - with three quarters of the Stalls now tiled in deep red and gold ornate Matcham tiles.

•In the Entrance Foyer (Vestibule) work is nearly finished on the ceiling murals - which are looking truly lovely. The angels and classical figures, replete in flowing garments and pastel hues, so popular in murals of the Victorian era, adorn the ceiling. As a mirror to these, there are two new mini-murals in the Grand Circle for the audience to enjoy - two baby cupids in flight, one on either side of the balcony.

•The new wallpaper and fresh ivory paintwork now adorns all levels of the foyers - in the Gallery Foyer and Upper Circle Foyer the carpet is down and temporarily covered in protective plastic. The carpets are going in at all other levels now and work is progressing apace on the new Box Office!

•On the Portico, the beautiful dark green Victorian lantern brackets are in again on the collonades (not seen on the front since the early 20th century!). The cylindrical lantern fittings will be put in over the next couple of weeks.

Week 21 PHOTOS . . .

Here are a selection of Rory's latest (Week 21) photos . . .

The Grand Circle, a fleeting 'hint' of the opulence to be revealed later . .

Grand Circle, Velvet Fabric in front of New Boxes and Technical Box . .

More of the New Carpeting . .

Fabric Inserts, in new Grand Circle Arcading . .

Gallery Handrails . .

Latest view of the Matcham Stairs . .

Vestibule (Entrance Foyer) The Original Mural, restored and cleaned . .

Vestibule (Entrance Foyer) The New Ceiling Mural . .

The Back of the Stalls . .

View from the Stage to the back of the Stalls - before the New Seats go in . .

Auditorium from the Stage, JUST before the new seats go in . .

The New Seats have finally arrived . .

The Back of one of the New Seats . .

The Pasqualinos sign being installed . .

Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatr...le/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restor...lding-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

Steve Ellwood · August 3rd, 2011, 08:34 PM

I see the builders have been excavating outside of the Portico for the last few days, on the plinth that runs into Grey Street, wonder if this has anything to do with the power to the newly positioned lights?

Rory Gibson · August 4th, 2011, 12:33 PM

Correct Steve, power for the lights. Its the City Council that are doing that bit, though, not the builders.

***Newcastle Historian*** · August 4th, 2011, 07:36 PM

I have just noticed that if you look at the photo fourth from the bottom of Post 177 (and perhaps download it and enlarge it) you get the FIRST view of a few the new seats . . . in-situ.

Try the Grand Circle, right hand side of the photo.

They are in the Upper Circle as well, but the angle of the photo prevents you from seeing much of them in the Upper Circle!

You see, I think the Theatre Royal are keeping views of the new seats as secret as possible - for the time being!!

August 3rd, 2011, 08:34 PM	#178
Steve Ellwood Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne Posts: 6,629 Likes (Received): 59	I see the builders have been excavating outside of the Portico for the last few days, on the plinth that runs into Grey Street, wonder if this has anything to do with the power to the newly positioned lights? __________________ Regards Steve Ellwood www.steve-ellwood.org.uk Skype :steve_ellwood

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July 25th, 2011, 07:01 PM	#164
delicolor Ian Grey- Geordie Exile Join Date: May 2008 Location: Morley, Leeds, West Yorkshire Posts: 477 Likes (Received): 1	It also occurs to me that if these photos are indeed 1900 and 1905, then the lanterns were untouched by Matcham, who after all had the internal reconstruction to worry about.

July 25th, 2011, 07:05 PM	#165
paddytoonleics Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne Posts: 375 Likes (Received): 0	From these pictures it looks like there was something more basic on the pillar-backs under the portico too. Presumably lost when the front brackets were moved round to the inside. Interesting to see if they try and recreate something now they've moved the originals back to their correct place, or if there'll now be nothing under the portico? (Whilst I'm all for being true to the original sitings of these in aid of the accuarate restoration, I still preferred the previous decision to move them round, however, and much prefer the pillar-fronts without!) .

July 25th, 2011, 10:24 PM	#166
delicolor Ian Grey- Geordie Exile Join Date: May 2008 Location: Morley, Leeds, West Yorkshire Posts: 477 Likes (Received): 1	I have a piece of TRN headed notepaper in my collection which came from a Production Manager. I came across it today and realised something I hadn't noticed before- what was written on the back in pencil was the weekly salary calculations for the 1977/78 Pantomime! I suspect that the Data Prevention Act prevents me from revealing the details as some of the names might be just about still going. Notice that bit on the bottom, all theatrical letters used to say that.

July 26th, 2011, 10:49 AM	#167
paddytoonleics Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne Posts: 375 Likes (Received): 0	Some (and more-so emails) still do!

July 26th, 2011, 02:35 PM	#168
*Newcastle Historian* Moderator and Archivist Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Posts: 15,110 Likes (Received): 70	. Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 20: W/C 25th July. Week 20 'Builders Diary' not yet published (as at Tuesday 26th July). Week 20 PHOTOS . . . Here are a selection of Rory's latest (Week 20) photos . . . New Grand Circle Bar, formed from the old base with a new canopy concealing the new Air Con Ductwork . . Further progress on the Stalls Tiling . . New Handrail around front of Grand Circle, which will be covered in new material . . View from the Gallery, showing the new Stage Lifts being formed . . Close up view of the above lifts, in the Stalls Area . . NINE more "Week 20" Photos added on 31st July 2011 . . New Carpetting in Grand Circle . . View up towards new boxes at back of Grand Circle Rear of Seating Area of Stalls . . Walkway into Stalls, at rear wall of Stalls . . More of the new Stalls Tiles . . New Feature Lights . . Mew Flambeau Feature Lights . . New Vestibule Ceiling Art - 1 . . New Vestibule Ceiling Art - 2 . . Sources . . 1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatr...le/17950275842 2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restor...lding-progress 3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/ .

July 26th, 2011, 07:33 PM	#169
delicolor Ian Grey- Geordie Exile Join Date: May 2008 Location: Morley, Leeds, West Yorkshire Posts: 477 Likes (Received): 1	Here is a photocopy I have of a handbill for the opening show at the new Theatre Royal Grey Street, way before Frank Matcham was a twinkle and 25 years before the Blaydon races was celebrated in song.

July 27th, 2011, 01:37 PM	#172
delicolor Ian Grey- Geordie Exile Join Date: May 2008 Location: Morley, Leeds, West Yorkshire Posts: 477 Likes (Received): 1	Rory has put up more photos today. From the caption, the Castle in the Longboat is new.

July 27th, 2011, 01:43 PM	#173
delicolor Ian Grey- Geordie Exile Join Date: May 2008 Location: Morley, Leeds, West Yorkshire Posts: 477 Likes (Received): 1	And another interesting touch- Creation (or restitution) of an illuminated torch above the proscenium under Shakespeare. Edit- Roy calls it a "new flambeau light".

August 1st, 2011, 09:35 AM	#175
Rory Gibson Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 23 Likes (Received): 0	Half of the new seats are arriving frm Belgium today and installation will commence tomorrow. I aim to take some pics of them as they arrive and also as they are installed.

August 1st, 2011, 10:28 PM	#176
delicolor Ian Grey- Geordie Exile Join Date: May 2008 Location: Morley, Leeds, West Yorkshire Posts: 477 Likes (Received): 1	The external lantern brackets are staying green, confirmed by the Theatres trust here

August 3rd, 2011, 05:03 PM	#177
*Newcastle Historian* Moderator and Archivist Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Posts: 15,110 Likes (Received): 70	. Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 21: W/C 1st August. Only 6 weeks to go! •The Gallery and Amphitheatre are now nearly complete, and as the seats arrived this week, they are now being installed here first. The new lighting bridge is in and has been painted to match the ceiling and with movable arms, it is another world from the old lighting bridge. The Amphitheatre is starting to look particularly plush, with its ornate carpet and re-clad balcony - it will make a lovely private area with lots of leg room and a great view! •The Upper Circle is coming together rapidly with only final touches to plasterwork and carpeting being made before the seats go in. •In the Grand Circle, the gorgeous Matcham aisle arcades are fully in and painted - in the next couple of weeks they will be padded with velvet to match the seats. The carpets have now all been laid in, ready for the seats to be installed, and decoration has begun on the near-side boxes. The timbering on the walkway at the rear of The Grand has been painted - this gallery will give much greater ease of movement to the audience. •The stage-side boxes are almost completely finished now with all the technical framework in and ready for installation of lights and sound equipment. As these offer a very poor view (they were originally intended for the "great and good" of Newcastle to be seen in, rather than to see!) - it is a much better use of space to have technical equipment here rather than clogging up the sides of the stage, as previously. The result? A much better view of the stage from everywhere in the auditorium! •In the Stalls, some beautiful plasterwork details are now being added, including two majestic viking ships at either end of the vaulted ceiling - these are symbolic of Newcastle's past and the story of the city. •Decorative tiling is well underway - with three quarters of the Stalls now tiled in deep red and gold ornate Matcham tiles. •In the Entrance Foyer (Vestibule) work is nearly finished on the ceiling murals - which are looking truly lovely. The angels and classical figures, replete in flowing garments and pastel hues, so popular in murals of the Victorian era, adorn the ceiling. As a mirror to these, there are two new mini-murals in the Grand Circle for the audience to enjoy - two baby cupids in flight, one on either side of the balcony. •The new wallpaper and fresh ivory paintwork now adorns all levels of the foyers - in the Gallery Foyer and Upper Circle Foyer the carpet is down and temporarily covered in protective plastic. The carpets are going in at all other levels now and work is progressing apace on the new Box Office! •On the Portico, the beautiful dark green Victorian lantern brackets are in again on the collonades (not seen on the front since the early 20th century!). The cylindrical lantern fittings will be put in over the next couple of weeks. Week 21 PHOTOS . . . Here are a selection of Rory's latest (Week 21) photos . . . The Grand Circle, a fleeting 'hint' of the opulence to be revealed later . . Grand Circle, Velvet Fabric in front of New Boxes and Technical Box . . More of the New Carpeting . . Fabric Inserts, in new Grand Circle Arcading . . Gallery Handrails . . Latest view of the Matcham Stairs . . Vestibule (Entrance Foyer) The Original Mural, restored and cleaned . . Vestibule (Entrance Foyer) The New Ceiling Mural . . The Back of the Stalls . . View from the Stage to the back of the Stalls - before the New Seats go in . . Auditorium from the Stage, JUST before the new seats go in . . The New Seats have finally arrived . . The Back of one of the New Seats . . The Pasqualinos sign being installed . . Sources . . 1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatr...le/17950275842 2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restor...lding-progress 3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/ .

August 4th, 2011, 12:33 PM	#179
Rory Gibson Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 23 Likes (Received): 0	Correct Steve, power for the lights. Its the City Council that are doing that bit, though, not the builders.

August 4th, 2011, 07:36 PM	#180
*Newcastle Historian* Moderator and Archivist Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Posts: 15,110 Likes (Received): 70	I have just noticed that if you look at the photo fourth from the bottom of Post 177 (and perhaps download it and enlarge it) you get the FIRST view of a few the new seats . . . in-situ. Try the Grand Circle, right hand side of the photo. They are in the Upper Circle as well, but the angle of the photo prevents you from seeing much of them in the Upper Circle! You see, I think the Theatre Royal are keeping views of the new seats as secret as possible - for the time being!!