Jean Cocteau in London, London, England
I鈥檝e had the pleasure of visiting several sites decorated by Jean Cocteau on the French Riviera, but I was surprised to find his work in the center of London. Just off Leicester Square (pronounced Lester Square) there is a church with a chapel decorated with Cocteau鈥檚 trademark drawings.
At first sight, it鈥檚 not obvious that this a church. It鈥檚 tucked between two buildings and isn鈥檛 a traditional church style. The unassuming entry leads to a round interior. This is because the original structure, built in 1793, was designed to display panoramas. It was popular entertainment at that time to visit 360掳 painted panoramas of European capitals or historic events. The display would be repainted regularly and people would come to experience 鈥渢heatre in the round鈥� before film or photography were invented.
In 1865, the panorama was converted into a French Catholic Church, Notre Dame de France, to serve the large French population in the area. The building was damaged by bombing during the war, but in 1941 it was repaired and resumed its religious function. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
At first sight, it鈥檚 not obvious that this a church. It鈥檚 tucked between two buildings and isn鈥檛 a traditional church style. The unassuming entry leads to a round interior. This is because the original structure, built in 1793, was designed to display panoramas. It was popular entertainment at that time to visit 360掳 painted panoramas of European capitals or historic events. The display would be repainted regularly and people would come to experience 鈥渢heatre in the round鈥� before film or photography were invented.
In 1865, the panorama was converted into a French Catholic Church, Notre Dame de France, to serve the large French population in the area. The building was damaged by bombing during the war, but in 1941 it was repaired and resumed its religious function. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
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Guide Name: Jean Cocteau in London
Guide Location: England » London
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Article (B))
Author: Margo Lestz
Read it on Author's Website:
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: England » London
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Article (B))
Author: Margo Lestz
Read it on Author's Website:
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Notre Dame de France
- Leicester Square
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