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The London Coliseum (1827 - 1875)

 Organisation

Dates

  • Existence: 1827 - 1875

Biography

The London Coliseum was built in Regent's Park in 1827.

The Coliseum was the brainchild of artist Thomas Hornor to display his panoramic view of London, which he had painted from sketches he took of the city from the top of the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral while the dome was being repaired between 1821 and 1822. The building was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. The 360° painting was completed in November 1829 and was the largest ever created, totalling over forty thousand square feet in area.

The building of the Coliseum was so expensive that Hornor fell into financial difficulties and a group of trustees took over its ownership. By 1843, the Coliseum was in declined and was sold at auction. After remodelling, it was reopened as a sculpture gallery, which functioned until 1855. From this point the Coliseum changed ownership several times until it was demolished in 1875.

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

Bill Barnes Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0172
Scope and Contents

Programmes, posters and photographs mainly related to the Poole family's travelling Myriorama show.

Dates: 1881 - 2017

Original Artworks, c1821 - 1869

 Series
Reference code: 178V20
Scope and Contents

Small groups of artist prints depicting scenes of music hall and variety entertainment, magic and clowning and watercolour of battleships. Also prints of the London Coliseum and other archicture in Regent's Park.

Dates: c1821 - 1869