The Grade II listed, Theatre Royal is Manchester's oldest surviving theatre building. It was built in 1845, and is an impressive building in the Classical style, its monumental façade considered one of the finest examples of theatre architecture to have survived in Britain from the first half of the nineteenth century. It was a source of inspiration for Richardson and his partners when designing the front of London’s Royal Opera House. Internally, the ceiling, although now not easily visible, has deeply coved sides and basketwork enrichment also reminiscent of the Royal Opera House.
The theatre was internally remodelled in 1875 and again in 1921 but has retained its ornate plasterwork. Its stage machinery is also understood to have survived. The conversion of the building to nightclub use obscured rather than destroyed the theatre interior and it could be restored. More research is needed to fully understand its architectural and historical significance.
Since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University with a Fine Art degree in 1998, Matt Wilde has had a career as an artist based in the Northwest of England holding solo exhibitions in cities including Liverpool, Manchester and London.
Matt draws inspiration from urban environments and the vibrancy of the city which he presents onto the canvas with a distinct sense of energy. Matt has described how he is concerned with capturing the ‘immediacy’ of those surroundings that people become immersed in.
His technique of applying the paint quickly to the canvas in a perhaps more sketch-like manner lends itself to the fast-paced lifestyles of today’s society that Matt is eager to convey. There is often humour and wit in the scenes that Matt reveals to us, but he also captures those moments of human isolation in the contrasting chaos of busy city life.
Fine art quality print, hand trimmed and packed with care in Manchester, UK. Free shipping is available within the UK.
