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Auction: SW1012 - Bonds & Shares Certificates of the World
Lot: 88

The Royal Panopticon of Science and Art. 1 Share, 21. February 1851. Nr. 3996. The Royal Panopticon of Science and Art was one of the grand social institutions and architectural splendours of Victorian London. It was built on the Eastern side of Leicester Square, opening on 18 March 1854. The Royal Panopticon was an imposing iconic building flanked by minarets. The facade had tiles made by Minton and shields and coats of arms of the most prominent scientists, writers and artists, including Oliver Goldsmith, Sir Humphry Davy and of course Queen Victoria. It boasted that it had the largest organ in the world when it opened. It was a showcase venue for the very best achievements in Science and Arts of the time and attracted 1'000 visitors per day. Two years later however, it closed, obtained a license for theatrical performances and was re-opened as the Alhambra Theatre. The organ was sold to St Pauls Cathedral. The site is now occupied by the Odeon Leicester Square. Very decorative share, inscribed the names of famous scientist: Francis Bacon (1561-1626), Isacc Newton (1642-1727), John Smeaton (1724-1792), James Watt (1736-1819), Sir Humphry Davy (1778-1829), Michael Faraday (1791-1867). (www.vanishedlondon.com/the-royal-panopticon-of-science-art/). VF.

Estimate
SFr200 to SFr300