‘O! for a muse of fire’ 30th September 1808, the Drury Lane Theatre in Covent Garden London is destroyed by fire for the second time. Originally built in the early 1660’s, and named the ‘Theatre Royal’ during the English restoration of Charles II, and the end to the Puritan ban on theatre and public entertainments; the theatre caught fire for the first time in 1672. Rebuilt as the "Theatre Royal in Drury Lane", the building lasted 120 years until this day, under the leadership from 1747 to 1776, of English actor, and theatre manager David Garrick. Whose reputation as an actor began with his performance of Richard III. Garrick’s insistence of realistic acting, and in depth productions that utilized set design, costumes and special effects, at the Drury Lane Theatre, revolutionized 18th century theatre, and the reputation of it. Garrick was also influential in the restoration of Shakespeare during the 18th century, adapting Shakespere’s original texts to the plays we recognize today. The ending of Romeo and Juliet where they turn to each other before they die was Garrick’s creation. All artwork shown are reproduction with original artwork of 18th and 19th century playbills. They are made using actual antique salvaged books, which are designed to be hung like pictures for a unique home decor artwork. See link in bio. #theatrehistory #drurylanetheatre #conventgarden #london🇬🇧 #londonhistory #davidgarrick #williamshakespeare #macbeth #richardiii #romeoandjuliet #hamlet #illustration #illustrationart #illustrationartists #illustrationartwork #historicalillustration #reproduction #antiquebooks #salvaged #hiddenhistory #theatreartist #histology #history #historynerd #shakespeare https://www.instagram.com/p/CF7CJfqg5lo/?igshid=113njp6882y9u