1886 Princess Theatre

MI_1061

A striking photograph of the newly constructed Princess Theatre in 1886. This magnificent building was designed by William Pitt (born Melbourne 1855). Pitt had a major influence on Melbourne's architecture, especially as it evolved into "Marvellous Melbourne". Other buildings that Pitt designed include the Melbourne Coffee Palace, Olderfleet and Rialto Buildings, amongst many others. He also collaborated on the design for the Federal Coffee Palace (later renamed as the Federal Hotel). Fortunately, many of these buildings have survived, but sadly the Federal Hotel was not one of them.

The first performance at the theatre was "The Mikado" by Gilbert and Sullivan.

All text © HotPress

Photographer unknown.

Notes from the State Library tell us that this image is "Looking across Spring Street towards Princess Theatre, terrace houses adjoining on left, horse drawn wagon in front with laden wagon at side entrance."

This is a digitally retouched reproduction of the original held by the State Library of Victoria. All prints are reproduced without the HOTPRESS watermarks.

Our team of conservators have worked on a high resolution digital image in order to remove blemishes and artifacts such as stains, mould, scratches and damage caused by the handling of the original. We strive to provide authentic representations of the original work that are suitable for enlargements that retain the tones and character of the original.



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