NEN Gallery

Albert Hall, Kensington-road, was opened to the public in May 1871, and is a huge building of elliptical form in the style of the Italian Renaissance. Until this year, the Royal Albert Hall was the largest music and entertainment venue in the country, with room for up to 8000 people. (The arena at the newly-opened 'O2' can accommodate nearly four times this number.)
Before 1888 and the installation of electric lighting, illumination of the hall was by limelight. Cylinders of lime were raised to 'white' heat in a gas flame.
The iron and glass domed roof (2) of the Albert Hall has always caused serious problems with the acoustics, and has been corrected by hanging various types of reflectors and diffusers from the ceiling. The present fibreglass 'saucers' are the most successful to date.
The terracotta frieze (3) depicts the 'triumph of the arts and sciences'. The long inscription above starts with 'Thine O lord', goes right around the building and finishes with 'and on earth peace'.
The Royal Albert Hall is famous for hosting the annual BBC Promenade concerts (the 'proms')