Royal Hall, Harrogate
Concert Hall, built 1903, by Frank Matcham and Robert Beale (see below). Squared coursed limestone rubble with ashlar dressings with slate roofs.
Symmetrical front of seven bays in two storeys, with three entrances to either side in a central bay under a cast iron and glass portico. To either side is a three window projecting pavilion, and a lower projecting extension at the right. Above are Dutch gables with domed lanterns over each pavilion, and an elaborate central Dutch gable with oeil-de-boeuf, coat of arms, and a cartouche below inscribed 'Kursaal'. Above this a series of hipped roofs rise over the stage areas, and there is a central large copper dome with glazing below and smaller domed turrets at the corners.
The development of Harrogate as a spa town began in the eighteenth century and by the mid nineteenth century there were a number of buildings associated with both taking the waters and the various leisure and entertainment activities that accompanied that. The idea of a Kursaal (German word which translates literally as “Cure Hall”) came from the continent, where such complexes were normal centrepieces in spa towns, though they are rare in England. The Kursaal was renamed in World War I. A competition to design such a building was held in 1899 and won by Robert Beale, though the eventual design was heavily modified and the interior completely designed by Frank Matcham who in practice became the senior architect in the scheme.
Royal Hall, Harrogate
Concert Hall, built 1903, by Frank Matcham and Robert Beale (see below). Squared coursed limestone rubble with ashlar dressings with slate roofs.
Symmetrical front of seven bays in two storeys, with three entrances to either side in a central bay under a cast iron and glass portico. To either side is a three window projecting pavilion, and a lower projecting extension at the right. Above are Dutch gables with domed lanterns over each pavilion, and an elaborate central Dutch gable with oeil-de-boeuf, coat of arms, and a cartouche below inscribed 'Kursaal'. Above this a series of hipped roofs rise over the stage areas, and there is a central large copper dome with glazing below and smaller domed turrets at the corners.
The development of Harrogate as a spa town began in the eighteenth century and by the mid nineteenth century there were a number of buildings associated with both taking the waters and the various leisure and entertainment activities that accompanied that. The idea of a Kursaal (German word which translates literally as “Cure Hall”) came from the continent, where such complexes were normal centrepieces in spa towns, though they are rare in England. The Kursaal was renamed in World War I. A competition to design such a building was held in 1899 and won by Robert Beale, though the eventual design was heavily modified and the interior completely designed by Frank Matcham who in practice became the senior architect in the scheme.