Shepherds Bush Empire

An unusual Matcham design; an interesting example of the Arts and Crafts spirit leaking into his later work. Roughcast with terra cotta dressings. Asymmetrical front, the centre with four-bay arched entrance; to the right, a taller bay with segmental gable and, beyond that, a broad, splayed return; to the left, a stocky round tower with little windows and a lively Baroque top stage, lantern and cupola, now lacking some ornament.

Side additions were made and the interior was radically altered to adapt it for use as a BBC TV studio (1953-91) when substantial parts of the ornament were removed or obscured. The auditorium was of some magnificence, only two years later than the Hackney Empire (q.v.), but quite different in architectural treatment. The ornament has been extensively restored for its present use but a full restoration would require a complete ensemble of Matcham-style decorations. Nevertheless, it is more complete than would have seemed feasible 25 years ago.