Blackheath Concert Hall

TQ 3975 BLACKHEATH LEE ROAD

786-0/45/10000 No 23

Blackheath Concert Hall

GV II

Purpose built concert hall. Built 1894 by Edmeston and Gabriel in Queen Anne style. Built of Leicester brick with some dressings and window mullions of terra-cotta and low-relief stucco decorative treatment in 'gesso duro' by Gilbert Seale of Walworth; Westmoreland slate roof. Plan comprises front block facing road with administrative and social rooms and small hall on 1st floor. At right angles, but not centred on the middle of the front, is the wing with the main hall, its gable sticking up over the roof of the Lee Road Block. Front of 2 storeys 7 windows. Ends have gables with ball finials and strapwork decoration including masks and musical instruments. Lowered double arched attic openings. 1st floor has round-headed windows with triple casements and stained glass above. Frieze between floors depicting tritons playing musical instruments. Ground floor has triple mullioned and transomed windows. Right side has open pedimented doorcase with large brackets, female mask in pediment and elaborate tented cast iron canopy on 2 cast iron columns. Some stained glass panels to Entrance Hall. Concert Hall interior of 9 bays with elaborate wooden ribbed ceiling, round- headed windows divided by pilasters and proscenium arch with open pediment with shield and panel with musical instruments flanked by console brackets.

This is believed to be the earliest surviving purpose-built concert hall in London.

Listing NGR: TQ3970075856