Letter from Iain McIntosh, 1977
Title
Letter from Iain McIntosh, 1977
Date
15 July 1977
Description
Letter from theatre designer Iain McIntosh to architect Nick Thompson, criticising the proposed green colour scheme of the Theatre Royal auditorium
What's the story?
“ ….The (Theatre) Royal is not Wyndhams! Sprague is suave, elegant, modish, even feminine. Matcham is chunky, masculine, fairground, opulent and wonderfully vulgar…”
Iain McIntosh, the distinguished theatre designer writes in a personal capacity to Nick Thompson, the architect, with grave reservations about the green colour scheme proposed by theatre designer Clare Ferraby. He cites Wyndhams Theatre, London, designed by WGR Sprague, who was initially articled to Frank Matcham, and proposes visits to other theatres with green auditoria before committing to a green design.
McIntosh’s main criticism is that of overkill. He believes that seven shades of green provide no relief to the eye and a second shade is needed. He thinks the proposed four colour William Morris wallpaper is a mistake and urges it to be reconsidered.
He also suggests a two-tier chandelier, as found in the Old Vic, London, and concludes that “it is good to talk about something important…..with intelligent and sensitive people”
Iain McIntosh, the distinguished theatre designer writes in a personal capacity to Nick Thompson, the architect, with grave reservations about the green colour scheme proposed by theatre designer Clare Ferraby. He cites Wyndhams Theatre, London, designed by WGR Sprague, who was initially articled to Frank Matcham, and proposes visits to other theatres with green auditoria before committing to a green design.
McIntosh’s main criticism is that of overkill. He believes that seven shades of green provide no relief to the eye and a second shade is needed. He thinks the proposed four colour William Morris wallpaper is a mistake and urges it to be reconsidered.
He also suggests a two-tier chandelier, as found in the Old Vic, London, and concludes that “it is good to talk about something important…..with intelligent and sensitive people”
Type
Letter
Location of item
Private Collection - Nick Thompson & Clare Ferraby
Rights
Private Collection - Nick Thompson & Clare Ferraby
Contributor
Researcher - June Ellerby
Format
29.8 cm x 21 cm
