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The King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
In this article Rachel Simmonds reflects on the King’s Theatre
refurbishment project. Rachel acted as a Consultant for Smith
Scott Mullan Associates. She has an RIAS Accreditation in
Conservation Architecture and also teaches at Edinburgh
College of Art.
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THE ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND
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AUTUMN 2013
n 1906 a fabulous new theatre opened on Leven Street,
in the Tollcross area of Edinburgh. Part of the well known
Howard and Wyndham chain, it was a variety theatre
with 2,500 seats over four levels. It was designed by two
architects, James Davidson, who was responsible for the
red sandstone exterior, and J.D.Swanston, who designed the
more elaborate interior. This was the only theatre they
collaborated on, which gives it a uniqueness compared to the
more prevalent Matcham theatres of this time.
From its opening, the theatre has been in near constant use,
hosting a variety of different performances. Many famous faces
have graced its stage over the years, including Katherine
Hepburn, Sir Harry Lauder, Sir Lawrence Olivier and Anna
Pavlova. By the 1950s it was in need of upgrading, and in 1951
the first major programme of refurbishment works was
undertaken. This included the replacement of the entrance
canopy with the cantilevered one that we see today, and the
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