Globe Theatre Architecture
Interesting information about
the Globe Theatre Architecture during the life and times of William Shakespeare and the Globe
Theatre of Elizabethan London, England
Globe Theatre Architecture
Architecture - the art and
science of designing and erecting buildings! The design and
Architecture of the Globe Theatre had to be a combination of
practical use, economy and the aesthetic design! Illustrated
Maps of London clearly show the architecture of the Globe
Theatre, and these have enabled an approximate picture of
the old Globe Theatre to be drawn. The Globe Theatre Architecture
reflected the styles used during the Elizabethan era. The
features of the Globe Theatre architecture included
distinctive elements:
-
The Black and
White Half Timbered style
-
Vertical and
diagonal timbers
-
Overhanging
first floors - galleries
-
Pillared porches
-
Thatched roofs
Picture of the Globe Theatre
London Map by Claes Van Visscher
London, England, 1616
Architect of the Globe Theatre
James Burbage
consulted Dr. John Dee (1527 1608) on the architecture of The Theatre. Dr.
John Dee, renowned as a magician and alchemist, was also
extremely knowledgeable about architecture. James Burbage relied on Dee's
extensive architectural library to design the plans for the construction
of The Theatre which was the forerunner of the Globe Theatre.
Globe Theatre Architecture -
the Classical connection
The Globe Theatre Architecture
was based on the great structures of classic antiquity. The design was
based on a structure similar to the Coliseum in Ancient Rome.
Architecture on a grand scale which would house a capacity of between
1500 and 3000 people. James Burbage built the very first theatre
with his brother-in-law John Brayne. The architecture of 'The Theatre'
was designed as a construction which was similar to a small Roman
amphitheatre. Classic Greek and Roman architecture was admired by the
Elizabethans and sometimes great columns framed the entrances of many
great Elizabethan houses. Two great columns were included in the
architecture of the Elizabethan theatres which were called 'Herculean'
columns or pillars - these were elaborately painted to resemble marble.
The architecture of the Globe theatre was deliberately designed to
reflect easily recognisable elements of Roman or Greek architecture thus
elevating the bad reputation of plays and actors to the much admired
Greek or Roman classical plays! It had been assumed that the Globe
Theatre had been an octagonal shaped building. This assumption was based
on the illustrated Visscher map engraving of 1616. But recent
archaeological evidence and other documents, such as the illustrated
Hollar map, indicate that it was actually a 20-sided building.
Globe Theatre Architecture -
the practical design
The Globe Theatre Architecture
included the features of the existing blood sport rings, such as the
Bear Garden, were used but with the addition of a fixed stage. The other
important feature was the cobbled yard, as opposed to the bare earth
floor suited to animals. The fashionable and practical Black and White
Half Timbered style of architecture was emulated. The Globe Theatre was
framed with massive upright, vertical timbers. These vertical timbers
were supported by diagonal timbers. The wattle walls were daubed with
mortar and whitewash was then applied. This process resulted in the
highly distinctive black and white half-timbered Elizabethan style of
architecture.
Globe Theatre Architecture -
the Thatched roof
The Globe Theatre Architecture
also featured a thatched roof. The material used to make a thatched roof
was either straw or reeds. Bundles of straw or reed were piled on to the
frame of the roof. The bundles had a circumference of between 24 to 27
inches and could range from 3 to 7 feet long. The thatched roof was a
real fire hazard and in 1613 the original Globe theatre was burnt to the
ground. A new Globe Theatre was built quickly, with one important
addition. The new Globe Theatre boasted a tiled roof.
Globe Theatre Architecture
Interesting Facts and information
about the Globe Theatre Architecture.
Additional details, facts and information about the
Globe Theatre can be accessed via the Globe Theatre Sitemap.
|
