Dramatic Art Deco detail takes centre stage Trafalgar Theatre
- Project name
- Trafalgar Theatre
- Project sector
- Hotel and Leisure
- Completion date
- 05/10/20
- Client
- Foster Wilson Size
- Ranges
- Celebrity
Decadent in detail and grand in design, the Grade II listed Trafalgar Theatre has been lovingly returned to its former glory thanks to a multi-million-pound investment which has revealed its authentic Art Deco features after decades of concealment.
Under the direction of award-winning architectural practice Foster Wilson Size, the facility, which first opened its doors in 1930, has been painstakingly restored to inspire a new generation of visitors. Located in London’s bustling West End and surrounded by famous landmarks including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Downing Street, the building, owned by Trafalgar Entertainment, has for years commanded significant cultural and historical interest.
Beginning its journey as Whitehall Theatre, it was adapted in the 1990s and divided into two separate spaces to accommodate a television and radio studio before being relaunched as Trafalgar Studios, a live performance venue, in 2004.
It has now come full circle, with the original single auditorium reinstated and its Art Deco details, created by renowned interior designers Marc-Henri Levy and Gaston Laverdet, proudly showcased once more. Eye-catching and opulent, the aesthetics that characterise the movement are instantly evident on arrival, encouraging guests to step back in time to a glamorous bygone era.
Epitomising the essence of Style Moderne, a sensational statement floor featuring silver and charcoal products from Solus’ Marbling collection adorns the spacious lobby, complemented by larger format wall tiles from the Virtue range. The marble-effect appearance of the three porcelain products exudes a timelessly classic aura, with gentle veins and clouding providing a whisper of mystique and a hint of nostalgia, beautifully replicating the authentic composition of the space. Creating cohesion, the partnership is mirrored in the impeccably refurbished foyer bar.
Taking centre stage, and again paying tribute to the theatre’s initial configuration, the awe-inspiring auditorium has been returned to its heyday thanks to historical photographs which were used to guide the design process.
A sense of drama is reflected in the beautifully restored main auditorium
Jonathan Size, Partner at Foster Wilson Size, commented: “Having images of the venue to refer to was absolutely key to the success of the project, enabling us to echo the initial composition so that theatre-goers can continue to enjoy the legacy of this incredible space for decades to come. It was wonderful to be able to source tiles from Solus that were so similar to the products chosen by the original designers and could really pay tribute to their vision.”
The monotone flooring and dated red seats in the performance space, synonymous with theatres up and down the country, have been replaced with patterned carpet and 630 new chairs, specially crafted for enhanced comfort. Reflecting the palette of the 1930s, bold prints in racing green, sage, yellow, and cream juxtapose against the dynamic black, silver, bronze, and metallic hues that decorate the surrounding space, providing an intense backdrop to live shows.
A sense of drama is instilled through the exquisitely restored grand ceiling and proscenium arch, while the balcony frontage, which was carefully stored for many years, has been refurbished to spectacular effect. To adhere to modern guidelines, technical and service facilities have been significantly upgraded to offer more powerful and energy efficient ventilation systems.
Contemporary limestone-effect tiles from Solus’ Eminence range create a dark and brooding visual in the first-floor male and female WCs, their smouldering shades enhanced by sparkling white wall tiles from the Cosmopolitan collection, with the latter gracing the back of house shower facilities.
CREDIT
- Architect
Foster Wilson Size
- Principal Contractor
GF Holding
- Photography
Tom Lee
