Egyptian Hall (1812 - 1905)
Dates
- Existence: 1812 - 1905
Biography
The Egyptian Hall in Piccadilly, London, was an exhibition hall built in 1812 in the ancient Egyptian style. The Hall became very successful offering exhibitions of artwork and especially watercolours with William Turner exhibiting there on several occasions over the years. Equally acclaimed were the lectures and popular entertainment shows, especially the magic acts.
The Egyptian Hall was first commissioned by William Bullock as a museum to house his ethnographic and natural history collections, some of which had been brought back to the UK by Captain Cook. By 1819 he sold his collections and turned the museum into an exhibition hall. Bullock managed the Hall until 1825 when he sold it to George Lackington who added panoramas and entertainment productions to the art exhibitions and continued achieving great success.
By the turn of the nineteenth century, the Egyptian Hall had become strongly associated with magic and spiritualism and was hosting magic shows regularly. In 1873, Maskelyne and Cooke’s mentor William Morton took over the management of the Hall, which provided a venue for the duo for the next thirty-one years. During this period the Hall became known as England's Home of Mystery, until in 1905 it was demolished to build flats and offices.
Found in 28 Collections and/or Records:
The Greatest Wonders Of The Age Handbill, c1840 - 1842
Flying railway device, and signal telegraph device, at the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly. Mechanical Railway consisting of two inclined planes and a circle of between 40 or 50 ft in circumference rising 14ft. Printed by Johnston, Red Lion Court, Charterhouse Lane.
The Most Extraordinary Exhibition in the World Handbill, 1856
A Selection of Life Size Mechanical Figures, taken from the Grand Paris Exposition at the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly. From the Grand Paris Exposition, Figures inc 'A goat, A little girl, a large ape, a ram, a large Hare, a talking baby, Jocko - comical monkey musician whose grimaces are extraordinary!' among others.
The Musical Wonder Marie Handbill, 1849
The Musical Wonder Marie at the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly. Infant pianist, vocalist, dramatic & comic. Six years old. Performing in her 'Elegant Boudoir'. Printed by Gunn, Hand Court, Holborn, 2pp.
The Napoleon Museum Handbill, c1844
The Napoleon Museum at the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly. 'Grandest & most superb Historical Exhibition in Europe' History of Europe from Charles 1st, Oliver Cromwell, Louis XIV, to the death of the Emperor in 1821. Printed by R.Fenny, 26 St. John Street, Clerkenwell.
The Napoleon Museum Handbill, c1845
The Napoleon Museum at the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly. 'For a short time only, previous to its being removed by present proprietor to his residence abroad. The Napoleon Museum contains Marbles, Pictures, Bronzes, Drawings, Gold Orders, Miniatures, and many interesting Relics & Curiosities never before exhibited'. Printed by Albion Press, T. Frost, 45 Marshall Street, Golden Square.
The Wild Man of the Prairies or 'What is it'? Handbill, 1846
Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly. Is it Human? Is it an animal? Is it an extraordinary freak of nature? Missing link between man and Ourang-Outang. Flyer details savage living habits, primarily eating fruit and nuts but occasionally must be given a meal of RAW MEAT. ‘Not entirely domesticated tho not averse to exhibition.’ Printed by Francis, 25 Museum Street, Bloomsbury, 4pp.
Vance's Varieties Handbill, c1870 - 1879
Rose Blossom's Cousin by W.M Axhurst, and New Comic Extravaganzas by Frank W. Green at the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly. 'Vance in a new and brilliant repertoire'. 'Grand fashionable illuminated morning performances', 2pp.
Venus Attiring Handbill, 1847
Venus Attiring at the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly. 'Modelled from life' prior to its taking to Rome to be sculpted in marble. Thought to have been printed by Gunn, Hand Court, Holborn.