Sir Hugh Casson (United Kingdom, 1910 - 1999) "Royal Opera House, London" Original Watercolor painting on Paper.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Westminster Collector's Society Great Britian 13p Royal Opera House stamp issued May 7, 1980.

David Garrick, one of Britain's greatest actors, captured the intensity of Shakespeare's Hamlet for his London audience. Jenny Lind, the Swedish Nightingale, thrilled audiences with her rich soprano voice and, more recently, Rudolph Nureyev hypnotized ballet lovers with his grace and agility. Such events represent the rich and colorful history of the Royal Opera House. Sometimes called Covent Garden Theatre, this magnificent building was erected on a plot of land that once belonged to the monks of Westminster Abbey. King Henry VIII claimed the land and, in 1732, a theatre devotee named Mr. Rich, leased the site to build a playhouse which he called the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden. Although a tragic fire destroyed the theatre in 1808, it was rebuilt that same year. In 1856, flames swept through the theatre once again. Architect, E.M. Barry refused to let London's theatre die. He salvaged the portico, a frieze and panels from the previous building and reconstructed the Royal Opera House as it stands today. During the late nineteenth century the theater fell on hard times, and for several years served only as an annex to the fruit and vegetable market next door. But, since 1950, the theatre has regained its grandeur and rebuilt its reputation. Its white, gold and scarlet interior is one of the most splendid in Europe and the world's most talented entertainers once again grace its stage.

Image Size: 12.5 x 14 in.
Overall Size: 14 x 16 in.
Unframed.
(B06021)

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14 x 16 in