Guildhall (Southampton)

• Theatre ID
  743
• Built / Converted
  1937
• Dates of use
  • 1937: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre (Guildhall - multi-purpose use)
• Address
  Civic Centre, West Marlands Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 7LP, England
• Website
  • http://www.southampton-guildhall.com

Details

The original Guildhall was over Bargate. The Civic Centre, incorporating the new Guildhall, was built over the years from 1929 and has been described as ‘perhaps the most ambitious civic building (of) inter-war years’. The Guildhall of 1937 is at the centre of the east front. It has a striking portico, with six Ionic columns and is of Portland stone. The vestibule has a marble floor and walls of stone and oak; the ceiling, Venetian-style painted wood, has bronze candelabra, and around the walls are twelve carved plaques by George Alexander with gold mosaic backgrounds depicting regions around the world linked by shipping to the port of Southampton. The hall itself is 144ft long, without the stage, 72ft wide and 48ft high, with a balcony, which features six coats of arms of local families copied from the seventeenth and eighteenth century shields on the Bargate. The walls are English walnut, above which is masonry up to the decorated ambulatory which is filled with grilles of old silver. The stage has a slight rake and no flying equipment. There is a Compton organ. The Guildhall has presented everything from drama to ballet, to briefings from General Eisenhower during pre-invasion years. Many concerts are broadcast.

---

Hide further details

• Events
  • 1929 - 1939 Design/Construction: civic building constructed, including Guildhall of 1937
    • E Berry Webber - Architect
  • 1937 Use: continuing
  • 1987 Alteration: refurbished, restored, and access for disabled people introduced
    • Unknown - Architect
• Capacities
  • Original: 1500 seated
  • Later: 1500 seated
  • Current: 1290 (incl balcony & removable tiered seating)
• Listings
  • Grade II - 10.10.1980
• Stage type
  • Rake 1:24 Pros flat
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: d: 9.63m wSL wing: 3m SR wing: 3m
  • Proscenium width: 14.78m x 8.53m
  • Height to grid: 9.45m
  • Orchestra pit: None. Compton Organ