Royal Albert Hall

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Royal Albert Hall

Above: A panoramic view of the stage and auditorium, taken from the Gallery level 5 of this magnificent building. The hall and other buildings, dedicated to the arts and science, which were to be built in the area of South Kensington, was the idea of Prince Albert, following on from the success of his Great Exhibition, which had taken place in 1851, in an area just north of where the hall now stands, in Hyde Park. Work started on building the Central Hall, as it was originally to be called, with the laying of the foundation stone, by Queen Victoria in 1867. It was at this point that the hall was given the name by which we know it today. At the laying of the stone and unknown, apparently, to all and sundry, the Queen announced that she was laying the foundation to what would be called the Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Science, in honour of her late husband. The capacity of the hall was originally designed to seat 30,000 people, however it was clear that this was not going to be possible and changed accordingly to 7000. The hall was officially opened by the Queen, accompanied by her son Prince of Wales in March 1871, less than four years after laying the foundation stone.

Pictures of the rear of the Royal box and the Royal retiring room, where members of the Royal Family will arrive prior to a performance and then use later during breaks in the performance or for after to entertain guests. Final picture is the actual seat in which her majesty sits for performances. Seats and furnishings in the royal box and shown in the picture, and one presumes,within the retiring room, are removed and upgraded, whenever the Queen is in attendance

Above Sir Peter Blakes montage to just some of the many people and animals that have appeared and performed at the Royal Albert Hall.

Visiting the hall was amazing. Taking in the scale of the building and then, thanks to our very enthusiastic and informative guide, learn so much about the hall and in particular what is behind the frontage seen by millions whenever an event is televised. The scale of the operation is huge, the catering that they can accomodate never mind the facilities on offer to performers. I have visited on one occasion, for a performance, in the company of my eldest, to watch The Osmonds. Little did I appreciate, at that time, the magnificent of the hall, thankfully that has now been rectified.

For more information click on the The Royal Albert Hall