Foundation Stone, National Theatre, London, UK
- Constructed: 1951
Foundation stone of the National Theatre, London, with inscription.
History
Description / Materials
History
The National Theatre was conceived by Israel Gollancz, Harley Granville Barker et al.
From the NT’s website: ‘It is over five decades since the National Theatre Company under Laurence Olivier gave their first-ever performance. Since the opening night of Hamlet, starring Peter O’Toole, on 22 October 1963, the National Theatre has produced well over 800 plays. For its first 13 years, the Company worked at the Old Vic Theatre, while waiting for its new home to be completed. In 1976, under Peter Hall, the move took place and Denys Lasdun’s National Theatre building was opened by The Queen.’
The inscription reads: ‘To the living memory of William Shakespeare on a site provided by the London County Council in conformity with the National Theatre Act MCMXLIX and in the year of the Festival of Britain this foundation stone for The National Theatre was laid on XIII July MCMLI by Her Majesty the Queen.’
Description / Materials
Stone and plaque
