London Hippodrome
- Client
- The Hippodrome Casino London
- Contractor
- Beck Interiors Limited
- Architect/Designer
- Cadmium Design
- Location
- London
- Budget
- £700,000
- Award
FPDC Plaisterers’ Award 2012 in the Fibrous & GRG - Heritage
The Challenge
To restore and rebuild the magnificent plasterwork at the historic London Hippodrome, originally designed by the distinguished theatre architect Frank Matcham, from record photographs.
Currently undergoing an extensive restoration programme, “The Hippodrome” is being taken back to Matcham’s exquisite original designs to become home for one of London’s most prestigious casinos.
Our Approach
With very little plasterwork remaining, we were asked to re-design many of the plaster features from historical photographs while retaining the quality and spirit of Matcham’s original vision.
The recreation of the extraordinary proscenium arch and lavish balcony fronts was undoubtedly the greatest challenge as none of the original plasterwork remained. Our dedicated art department were tasked with creating a new interpretation of the original design. On approval, we were commissioned to undertake the bespoke sculpture of these formidable pieces. The proscenium arch alone, measures some 10 metres wide and 3 metres tall - a truly majestic work of art.
Our restoration work throughout the building continues today in close co-operation with the Theatres Trust and English Heritage (in conjunction with Westminster Council). The building will be fully restored back to it’s original condition, echoing the opulence and former glory, of the Hippodromes’s early days. The magnificent interior will be ready for all to see when the building reopens as The Hippodrome Casino in April 2012.