Drawing, the Royal Albert Hall, with Henry Wood conducting, by Lord Methuen, black chalk and pastel, 1941.

Black chalk and pastel drawing on grey laid paper with the watermark 'Ingres France'. The drawing depicts the Royal Albert Hall, with Henry Wood conducting. Signed by the artist and lettered with titles.

On the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939, the BBC immediately put into effect its contingency plans to move much of its broadcasting away from London to places thought less susceptible to bombing. Its musical activities, including the orchestra, moved to Bristol. The BBC withdrew not only the players, but financial support from the Proms.
Henry Wood determined that the 1940 season would nevertheless go ahead. The Royal Philharmonic Society and a private entrepreneur, Keith Douglas, agreed to back an eight-week season, and the London Symphony Orchestra was engaged. The season was curtailed after four weeks, when intense bombing forced the Queen's Hall to close.
The last Prom given at the Queen's Hall was on 7 September 1940. In May 1941, the hall was destroyed by bombs and it was immediately agreed that the 1941 season of Proms should be held at the Albert Hall, depicted in this watercolour. The Albert Hall remains the home of the Proms.

P.13-1974