The Theatres and Concert Halls of Fellner and Helmer - Softcover

This is the first British study of the works of the prolific Fellner and Helmer Atelier which was active from 1871-1914 during which time they produced over 80 theatre designs and are second in quantity only to Frank Matcham, to whom reference is made. This period is one of great change as a number of serious theatre fires which included Nice and Vienna had the effect of the introduction of safety legislation which affected theatre design. This study seeks to show how Fellner and Helmer and Frank Matcham dealt with this increasing safety legislation, in particular the way in which safety was built into their new three part theatres equipped with iron stages, safety curtains, electricity and appropriate access and egress and, in the Vienna practice, how this was achieved across 13 countries.

Michael Sell has a background in education and training including working in many countries as an international consultant. He first became involved with the protection of theatres forty years ago and was co-editor of Curtains!!! a new life for old theatres and The Theatres Trust Guide to British Theatres 1750-1950. He contributed to Frank Matcham Theatre Architect and Frank Matcham and Co and is a vice president of the Frank Matcham Society. He has acted as a rapporteur for The Theatres Trust and was a regular reviewer for The Stage for thirty years as well as a contributor to professional journals. His major interest in theatre architecture in the UK and elsewhere was the spur for researching Fellner and Helmer.