To Wake the Soul with Tender Strokes of Art

April, 2023

Frank Matcham is renowned for designing (and helping redesign) some of the county’s most beautiful and intimate-feeling auditoriums including the Hackney Empire and The Bristol Hippodrome. Each of his theatres have a unique personality inspired by Elizabethan, Baroque and Italianate styles that make them instantly recognisable as a Matcham. Richmond Theatre is no different.  

Whilst some original features have been lost since 1899, include 2 boxes situated at the back of the Dress Circle and the act-drop featuring a view of Richmond Bridge looking up the river, Richmond Theatre is considered one the finest surviving example of Matcham’s work. Some of the visual gems remain include the ornately decorated proscenium arch and the ceiling.  

The proscenium arch, the area framing the opening of the stage, is made of marble and includes large columns either side with an oak base. Beautifully decorated in a classical style, it features figures representing art, science, tragedy, and comedy on either side. In the centre is one the most photographed areas of the theatre, a panel inscribed with the words “To wake the soul by tender strokes of art’ a quote by the 18th Century poet Alexander Pope. Above this sits the crest of arms for Richmond.  

Encasing the auditorium is the theatre’s original ceiling, of which the subject panels represent scenes from four of Shakespeare’s plays -  Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, A Midsummers Night Dream and King Lear. One difference is that previously, the four spaces between each play were decorated in gold with the names of name of Shakespeare, Goldsmith, Congreve, and Sheridan.  
 
Next time you’re watching a show at Richmond Theatre remember to look out and look up and really appreciate the beautiful original Matcham details. 

Gabriella Bush, aided by the work of Norman Fenner.