Watercolour. 9 by 5¾ in.
The first theatre on this site was opened by the King’s Company in
1663, and was burnt down in 1672. The next, designed by Sir Christopher
Wren, was opened in 1674 and was new-faced by the brothers Adam. A
third theatre, designed by H. Holland, was opened in 1794 and burnt
down in 1809. James and Horace Smith’s “Rejected Addresses” were
burlesque prologues for the fourth theatre, designed by Benjamin
Dean Wyatt, which is here portrayed. It was opened 10 October 1812,
with a prologue by Lord Byron, whose style the Smiths had parodied.
The portico in Brydges Street, now Catherine Street, was added when
Elliston was lessee, and the colonnade, Little Russell Street, in 1831.
This is the original of an engraving in Wilkinson’s “Londina
Illustrata.” Whichelo, who painted it, devoted himself to topographical
and afterwards marine subjects. He exhibited at the Royal Academy and
was for many years member of the Old Watercolour Society. He died in
1865.
By J. M. WHICHELO, _c._ 1813.
_Lent by H.M. the King._