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Leicester Square c. 1910

The artistic connections of Leicester Square started as early as 17th century
- among its famous residents were William Hogarth at no. 30 - the
first internationally known British painter famous for social caricatures,-
and Joshua Reynolds at no. 46 (high society portraitist, 1st
President of the Royal Academy).

In the 18th century it became the place for foreign hotels, Turkish
baths and entertainment halls. However, turn of the century was
the time of change for Leicester Square.

Out of the four original theatres in Leicester Square three changed
to cinemas: the Alhambra, 1858, became the Odeon in 1937, the
Empire, 1884, changed to screen in 1928, Dalys, 1893 was replaced
by the Warner West End in 1938. The fourth, the Hippodrome, 1900 at
Cranbourn street is now a nightclub.

The Cafe de Paris on the north side of Leicester Square saw
Marlene Dietrich and Maurice Chevalier in cabaret shows.
Merle Oberon and Lana Turner started here.

It was purchased by Albert Grant in 1874 and turned into a public garden
with a marble fountain surmounted by a
statue of Shakespeare and the busts of Hogarth, Reynolds, Hunter and Newton
in the corners. There is also a bronze statue of bronze
statue of Charlie Chaplin by John Doubleday. Erected in 1981, it commemorates Londons most
famous comedian.