Frank Matcham's final Sussex theatre commemorates 100th anniversary of his death

Eastbourne has plenty of reasons to thank celebrated architect and theatre designer Frank Matcham who died 100 years ago today (17 May 1920)
Devonshire Park TheatreDevonshire Park Theatre
Devonshire Park Theatre

Matcham is responsible for the internal look of the Devonshire Park Theatre.

As Eastbourne Theatres spokeswoman Aimee Pugh said: “Matcham internally re-designed the grande dame of all the Eastbourne Theatres, the Devonshire Park Theatre in 1903 making the changes which are so beloved and appreciated today.

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His death on May 17 1920 from blood poisoning was rather bizarrely attributed by the Architects Journal to cutting his finger nails too short.”

Aimee added: “The theatre has been undergoing sensitive refurbishment over the last 20 years supported by the Friends of the Devonshire Park Theatre, a charity group which was set up in 1984 with the aim to promote and preserve this special theatrical space.

“Matcham also designed other south-east theatres including the Kings Theatre in Portsmouth and the now demolished Grand Theatre (formerly the Hippodrome Circus) located in North Street Brighton and The Alhambra, also in Brighton, which was demolished in 1963 and replaced with the Brighton Centre.

“Matcham was responsible for major reconstruction of the Brighton Hippodrome in 1901, two years before he upgraded the Devonshire Park. The Hippodrome closed its doors in 2007 and is now classed as the most at risk UK Theatre by the UK Theatre Trust.

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“He was also responsible for some of London’s most iconic venues including The Hippodrome, Coliseum, Hackney Empire, Palladium and Victoria Palace Theatres. And among his non-theatre works were a new wing, designed without charge, for the Variety Artistes’ Benevolent Fund at Brinsworth House and the iconic Blackpool Palace Ballroom.

“The exact number of theatres he designed is unknown. Estimates range at design and construction of 90 theatres and re-development for a further 80 theatres, but it is accepted that his work was little respected or fully appreciated until the 1970s. It is known that 111 of his theatres were bombed during the wars, destroyed by fire or demolished as part of regeneration, mostly during the 1960s.

“Now of course he is appreciated for the genius that he was, pioneering and trailblazing new ideas and practises including rotating stage, cantilevered steel support systems which he patented which revolutionised the building of entertainment spaces.”

Aimee added: “For more images of The Devonshire Park Theatre, see eastbournetheatres.co.uk and to find out more about the Friends of the Devonshire Park Theatre visit fodpt.org.uk.”

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