Title:	Simulated Adelphi Image (c1826): Front Façade (With Shadow)
Description:	A simulated Adelphi Image (c1826): Front Façade (With Shadow)
Theatre:	Adelphi
Source:	Theodore J. Seward, Jr., Jan 1, 1826
See Source:	Go to Source Image (3.5 MB)
Review:	Theodore J. Seward, Jr., Jan 1, 1826,

Simulated Image of Early Adelphi

The following image is based on various sketches of the Adelphi Theatre produced in the 19th century.  The simulation was created using the free version of Google's 3D drawing package Sketch Up 8.  Free copies of Sketch Up may be downloaded from http://www.sketchup.com/intl/en/download/index.html.  I've supplied a copy of the source file so users may produce other views or modify this one.  Although there is a copyright on each image and in the Sketch Up source file, scholars are free to use the illustrations and source file providing they do not sell the images.

Several views are given.  The shop on the left shows up in two of the sketches.  The shop is referenced in the 1823 Kent's London Directory ¹ and in 1836, referring to a special quicksilver level:

The simplicity and strength of the instrument permit of its being thrown down, and rolled about without sustaining injury, and any rough unlettered man may use it with effect.  It may be had, we are informed, of Mr. Batt, Seedsman, 412, Strand, London. ²

The building on the right--may have been there during the time John Scott owned the theatre:

The destiny of the site as a theatrical property did not overtake it until 1802--when John Scott, who sold oil and "True Blue Dye" in his shop adjoining, purchased the then dilapidated premises--and erected on the spot a small hall in which his clever daughter gave musical entertainments.  These proving highly remunerative, this enterprising tradesman spent another £10,000 [$1,155,454 in 2012] ³ and converted the building in to a regular theatre, which under the name of the "Sans Pareil," was opened on 27th of November, 1806; and having obtained a licence, a succession of dramas, pantomimes, and ballets (principally written by Miss Scott) were [sic] produced with marked success.  In October, 1819, Rodwell & Jones purchased the theatre for £22,000 [$2,439,150 in 2012] 2, and opened it as "The Adelphi Theatre," with a lively burletta entitled The Green Dragon; or, I've Quite Forgot. ⁴

TJS

References:

1.	Kent's Original London Directory: 1823, 91st Edition, p. 27, (Google eBook) http://books.google.com/books?id=RTIQAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA27
2.	Hebert, Luke.  The Engineer's and Mechanic's Encyclopaedia, Comprehending Practical Illustrations of the Machinery and Processes Employed in Every Description of Manufacture of the British Empire, Vol II., London, Thomas Kelly, 17, Paternoster Row, MDCCCXXXVI., pp 78-79, (Google eBook) http://books.google.com/books?id=JPKzAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA79
3.	Historical UK Inflation And Price Conversion calculator at http://safalra.com/other/historical-uk-inflation-price-conversion/
4.	The Playgoer, October 1901 to March 1902.  London, Dawbarn & Ward, Edited by Fred Dangerfield., pp 118-119, (Google eBook)  http://books.google.com/books?id=OpYtAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA118