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PANTHEON    In the early 1760's several Noblemen and persons of Fashion had stated, that a place of public entertainment was wanted for the Winter Season similar to that of Ranelagh for the Summer. The Pantheon designed by James Wyatt opened in 1772. He was to become one of the most prominent British architects of his generation, but at that time he was unknown and aged just twenty-two. The Pantheon, was a place of public entertainment on the south side of Oxford Street in London England. The main rotunda had a central dome which was said to be reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome. The main part of the site consisted of two rectangles of land, the smaller of these was towards Oxford Street. The masquerades and concerts which took place there were at first extremely successful, but in the 1780's the popularity of the Pantheon declined.  The Pantheon has gone through many changes within its time period. After the destruction of the King's Theatre in the Haymarket i...

Newgate Prison, George Dance, (London, UK); 1782-1904 ; Neoclassicism and the Enlightenment If in 1982 an observer had taken for a stroll in the London’s streets, and had reached the corner where Newgate Street and Old Bailey meet, one would have instantaneously noticed the austere building that stood and loomed in the desert plaza. Just by looking at its exterior walls any observer would have realized the nature of the building. Though its façade was impressive like a bank, no person would have mistaken the sight of hung chains for a welcome sign. The original prison at Newgate was built in 1188 but was rebuilt in 1770 by George Dance, though the completion date had to be delayed by two years due to being badly damaged during the Gordon Riots in 1780.  The Architect   George Dance, the Younger, (1741-1825), was a British architect who was responsible for extensive urban redevelopment in London and was a founding member of Great Britain’s Royal Academ...