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This view shows the North porch (1) which faces the Albert memorial in
Kensington Gardens. The Albert Hall is slightly oval-shaped, not circular and
this viewpoint shows it at its narrowest. |
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Until recently, the Royal Albert Hall was the largest music and entertainment
venue in the country, with room for up to 8000 people. (The docklands arena
can accommodate nearly four times this number.) |
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On the other side of the building the new South porch stays open throughout the
day for access to the box office, the shop and restaurant, and tours of the
building |
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Before 1888 and the installation of electric lighting, illumination of the hall
was by limelight. Cylinders of lime were raised to 'white' heat in a gas flame. | |
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The iron and glass domed roof (2) of the Albert Hall has always caused serious
problems with the acoustics, and has been corrected by hanging various types of
reflectors and diffusers from the ceiling. The present fibreglass 'saucers' are
the most successful to date. |
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The terracotta frieze (3) depicts the 'triumph of the arts and sciences'. The
long inscription above starts with 'Thine O lord', goes right around the
building and finishes with 'and on earth peace' |
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The Royal Albert Hall is famous for hosting the annual BBC Promenade concerts
(the 'proms'). |
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The Royal Albert Hall website can
be seen here. | |
