Ernest Woodrow Collection

The Ernest Woodrow collection comprises of four scrapbooks containing news clippings and articles from various news outlets and journals. The clippings primarily cover the subjects of theatre architecture and safety, particularly fire safety, and Woodrow's buildings and career.

Ernest A. E. Woodrow (1860-1937) attended the Royal Academy School before being elected Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (A.R.I.B.A) in 1881. By 1885 he was working on theatre safety controls for the Metropolitan Board of Works. When the London County Council was formed in 1889 he transferred to the Theatres Branch where he was held in high regard for his knowledge and expertise. Woodrow frequently wrote on theatre subjects in reputable architectural journals, however his only work to be published in book form was his collaboration with architect Edwin O. Sachs, Modern Opera Houses and Theatres. There are only three known theatres that he is credited for, all in London: Collins's Music Hall, Islington; Camberwell Palace, Southwark; and the only surviving one being the Clapham Grand, Clapham Junction.

The Collection is arranged as follows:

• WOO/1 Scrapbook 1
• WOO/2 Scrapbook 2
• WOO/3 Scrapbook 3
• WOO/4 Scrapbook 4

Open for consultation.

Scrapbooks 1, 2 and 3 were donated to Theatres Trust in 2013. Scrapbook 4 was donated in 2017.

Index available.

The collection was catalogued by Lindsay Holbrough, Library and Archive Volunteer, December 2017. Some earlier work to index the scrapbooks was done by Mike Hall, Library and Archive volunteer, September 2017.

All the scrapbooks have been retained.

The scrapbooks remained in the Woodrow family until they were donated to Theatres Trust.

No further accruals are expected.