Alhambra - Leicester Square

This is one of three nocturnal views of London by Ernest Dudley Heath in the Museum's collection.

The Alhambra was a theatre and music hall situated on the eastern side of Leicester Square. It was built in 1854 in a lavish 'Moorish' style loosely based on the Alhambra Palace in Spain. It was demolished in 1936 and replaced by the Odeon Leicester Square cinema.

Heath has focused his attention on the brilliant illumination of the Alhambra's facade. The architecture of the theatre almost dissolves in the glow from the lights, whilst the trees, Hansom cabs and figures in the square are thrown into sharp silhouette.

In the foreground, a fashionably dressed woman crosses the road. At this time, no respectable woman would unaccompanied at night, making it likely that she is a prostitute. Prostitution was common in this part of the West End in the late 19th century and Leicester Square, in particular, was a focal point for soliciting. Heath was aware of French painters like the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. Many French artists, such as Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec, were interested in the prostitute as an urban type and may have influenced Heath's theme.