Montpellier Proscenium, Cheltenham

Image: © Jaggery Taken: 25 Nov 2011

Now in use as The Gardens Gallery in Montpellier Gardens, the proscenium was formally opened on July 19th 1900 by the town's mayoress. Its purpose was as a companion to the bandstand http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3214559 which is located about 30 metres to the north, where musical performances were regularly given. The proscenium shared the bandstand's seating area. The benches had reversible backrests so that the audience could face either structure. To enhance acoustics for the singers, there was a sounding board at the back and a projecting canopy at the front. Although there were well-attended concerts here until 1937, the suggestion was made that the proscenium be moved to Sandford Park to free up the site for a sports area. Though the proscenium remained, a brick building was added to the front for use as a gymnasium centre. The brick building remained until removal in 1999. During 2006-2007, the proscenium was restored by Cheltenham Borough Council with the help of a Heritage Lottery grant. In June 2007 a consortium of local art groups leased the building and created the Gardens Gallery for local artists to display their work. The notes above are based on a notice at the site which used information provided by local historian Aylwin Sampson.

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