1930s Memorial Theatre Warwickshire England Vintage Postcard
About This Vintage Postcard
This striking color lithograph captures the modernist architecture of the "new" Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, now known as the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, situated on the banks of the River Avon in Stratford-on-Avon. Opened in 1932, the building was designed by Elisabeth Scott, making it the first major public building in England designed by a female architect. The scene features a tranquil River Avon in the foreground, complete with graceful swans and a traditional canopy-covered sightseeing boat. The theatre's Art Deco-inspired brickwork, which critics of the time famously compared to a jam factory, is beautifully reflected in the water, illustrating the blend of industrial-influenced design and scenic English charm that defines this world-renowned cultural landmark.
Details
Era:c. 1932–1940
City: Stratford-on-Avon
State or Region: Warwickshire
Country: England
Topic: Memorial Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Elisabeth Scott Architecture, River Avon, Shakespeare History
Condition: Circulated
Postage: None
Address Side: divided back
Orientation: Horizontal (Landscape)
Artist / Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: J. Salmon Ltd., Sevenoaks (Salmon Series)
Printer: J. Salmon Ltd., Sevenoaks
Print Type: Color Lithograph
Additional Information
The card features the distinctive Salmon Series logo on the reverse, a company renowned for its high-quality topographical views printed in Sevenoaks, Kent. The printer code *4074 is visible at the bottom center, a typical cataloging mark for this publisher during the 1930s. A fascinating handwritten note on the back provides a direct link to the theatre’s function: Attended Play Othello—good acting—beautiful costumes—main characters all died—Art Gallery & Restaurant. This likely refers to a specific production at the theatre during the mid-to-late 1930s, offering a charming personal review of a classic Shakespearean tragedy performed at the site intended for his memorial.
Love it ♡
Get it ☆
Get Lucky 💋 Vintage
