The Empire Theatre Leicester Square

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Uploaded on: May 27, 2024

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Showing photograph dated June 1902 when the Empire was a Music Hall. The facade is highly decorated for the Coronation of Edward VII which was originally to be held on Thursday 26th June 1902 however, the Coronation was delayed by the King’s operation for appendicitis until Saturday 9th August 1902. This unforeseen delay must have been expensive for the Empire which was completely covered with foliage and flowers which had to be maintained, watered and replaced during the extra forty four days. When the time came for their removal it was found some had grown roots through their containers and into the structure lead facing. At night hundreds of light bulbs shone out from the pediment down the vertical columns, finishing swagged around the entrance below the canopy. If you look closely among the display on the left there are two gardeners amongst this agriculture presentation. No doubt during the extended summer months more patrons visited the Music Hall.

Ron Knee