Alexandra Palace is, without a doubt, one of the most famous buildings in North London. Situated within Alexandra Park, the Grade II listed building has long been one of the UK’s most enduring venues right from its opening in 1873.
The Palace, lovingly known as ‘Ally Pally’, sits in an area of London that displays a variety of different types of architecture. From the historical to the contemporary, Alexandra Palace boasts all of these features thanks to its recent restoration work. Let’s take a more in-depth look into the fascinating history of the building and how it has lasted through fraught times to become a London favourite.
The Alexandra Palace, and its 220-acre park, was initially presented in the 1860s by Owen Jones who had worked on the interiors of Crystal Palace. It was initially intended to be named ‘The Palace of the People’ and was to be a North London rival to the successful Crystal Palace in South London. Although its name was changed to commemorate the Princess of Wales, Alexandra of Denmark, the People’s Palace has remained as a fond alternative name.
Although Jones’ plans for an iron and glass building did not come to fruition, construction commenced in 1865 to a design by John Johnson and Alfred Meeson. Johnson and Meesons design was constructed by Kelk and Lucas and opened for the first time on Saturday the 24th of May 1873 to roaring success. However, only 16 days after opening, the Palace was virtually destroyed by a fire, leaving only the outer walls intact.
A redesigned Palace, also by Johnson and Meeson, was built on the same site and reopened on the 1st of May 1875. This conception of the building had much more within its seven acres than the original; a Concert Hall, Circus, Racetrack, Boating lake to name just a few.
The details of this building really add to the interest, on top of all the fascinating history it holds. The exterior evokes the feeling of grandeur that the Victorians loved so much, with its Italian architectural style and lofty windows. The Palace almost transports you out of London, which is part of what has made this such an enduring place – Londoners could escape the ever-expanding industrial city.
Fires and neglect have destroyed much of the interior, but some key features would have been spectacular to witness. From the vaulted ceiling of the Central Hall that was supported by rows of ornamental pillars to the large fresco that was a painted feature inside, it was and still is bursting with character.
In 1967, after an Act of Parliament, the Palace and Park became an established charity, cementing it as a place for the local community. Alexandra Palace truly became ‘The People’s Palace’, though, when it was made public owned by another Act of Parliament in 1990. This time the desire was to keep it as a place of escape and wonder for the people of London.
The palace has served people in other ways as well. Through the first and second world wars, the Palace housed refugees, with a Royal Observer Corps bunker remaining in use right up until 1990. The Palace even became an iconic gig venue; hosting military bands, and everyone from the Rolling Stones to Jay-Z, and never forgetting Gracie Fields who coined the name “Ally Pally” that is still used today. Even The Brit Awards broadcast from the palace in the 1990s. In fact, the BBC’s launch of a full television service in 1936 at Alexandra Palace was a world first. The most notable event that the Palace now plays host to, however, is the annual PDC World Darts Championship.
The history of the Palace is only one aspect of what has made this such an enduring fixture of North London Architecture. If anything, its most recent restorations have reaffirmed it as a cutting edge building.
A plan for the future of the Palace was made to restore and redevelop the building. The first step was to restore the derelict east wing to make the Victorian Theatre accessible and transform the East Court. The regeneration has involved considerable work to the fabric of the building. Still, the architects have done an excellent job in bringing the Grade II listed building into the modern age, while managing to maintain the essence of Alexandra Palace.
The vast space of the East Court has become a welcoming and vibrant introduction to the East Wing, with a distinct new floor. Designed by the artists’ Art + Believe, the colourful geometric pattern that now covers 1,000 sqm of the floor, injects enthusiasm and soul to the once-abandoned Court.
But the real architectural delight is found in the rejuvenated Victorian Theatre. The London Architects working on this restoration, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, have created a space of wonder by leaving the original surfaces visible in a state of suspended decay. Damaged surfaces and structures are now safe, but no missing pieces have been replaced. It’s a conscious effort by the architects to keep the story of the building visible so that you can read its history.
Architects have brought Alexandra Palace into the 21st century by introducing modernity to the East wing, while maintaining its ties to the past. Such rich history is part of what makes the building such an exciting fixture in North London Architecture. The Palace is a genuine triumph of how architectural styles can sit so well together and create a real sense of enthusiasm and anticipation for its new future.