OH/241
Reference code
OH/241
Level of description
Item
Title
Howell, Peter
Date
13/10/2003
Scope and content
"
13.10.2003
Born 1919\Actor and trustee of Waterman's Arts Centre in Brentford \Remembers Q Theatre and Chiswick Empire\Moved to Chiswick when married\Famous for part as surgeon in \Emergency Ward 10\"" (first soap on ITV in the 1950s)\Alf King had idea to start Waterman's. Development of Waterman' s- sponsors Building Opening, catering etc\50 years ago when idea was born. Lack of theatre & arts & cinema in area after Q theatre & Chiswick Empire closed. He lived in Hampstead & moved to Chiswick when he married. Alfa Laval, Alf King leader of Labour group on council had the original idea for arts centre. Met Alf through Labour Party. Peter was well known as he starred in \""Emergency Ward 10\"" on TV. Michael Barnes (local MP) v. supportive. Alf King organised site. Took 20 years to get Watermans built. Alf King said it was Peter's idea but they worked together. Council held competition for designer & developer. Dinsdale won. Council said Dinsdale could have site free & build offices as long as they built theatre. Oscar Garry designer. Mistake made that original design did not make full use of river views. Money raised - local firms contributed incl. Gillette, Fullers (?) etc. also London Boroughs Org. & London Arts. Trust formed 1963 - 1964. 1 million raised to equip centre. Dependent on Council to fund it. Opened on 1984. Owe Hounslow Council a great deal. Princes Alexandra & Ian McKellen at opening. He & Alf King resigned from trust but he is still a trustee. Theatre too small to be viable. Pantomime lost money. Well used by Asian Community and Schools. Art studio & exhibitions. Stresses importance of theatre in education. \""Monty’s\"" now run catering.""
Howell, Peter"
13.10.2003
Born 1919\Actor and trustee of Waterman's Arts Centre in Brentford \Remembers Q Theatre and Chiswick Empire\Moved to Chiswick when married\Famous for part as surgeon in \Emergency Ward 10\"" (first soap on ITV in the 1950s)\Alf King had idea to start Waterman's. Development of Waterman' s- sponsors Building Opening, catering etc\50 years ago when idea was born. Lack of theatre & arts & cinema in area after Q theatre & Chiswick Empire closed. He lived in Hampstead & moved to Chiswick when he married. Alfa Laval, Alf King leader of Labour group on council had the original idea for arts centre. Met Alf through Labour Party. Peter was well known as he starred in \""Emergency Ward 10\"" on TV. Michael Barnes (local MP) v. supportive. Alf King organised site. Took 20 years to get Watermans built. Alf King said it was Peter's idea but they worked together. Council held competition for designer & developer. Dinsdale won. Council said Dinsdale could have site free & build offices as long as they built theatre. Oscar Garry designer. Mistake made that original design did not make full use of river views. Money raised - local firms contributed incl. Gillette, Fullers (?) etc. also London Boroughs Org. & London Arts. Trust formed 1963 - 1964. 1 million raised to equip centre. Dependent on Council to fund it. Opened on 1984. Owe Hounslow Council a great deal. Princes Alexandra & Ian McKellen at opening. He & Alf King resigned from trust but he is still a trustee. Theatre too small to be viable. Pantomime lost money. Well used by Asian Community and Schools. Art studio & exhibitions. Stresses importance of theatre in education. \""Monty’s\"" now run catering.""
Howell, Peter"
