Andrew Carnegie key goes on show to mark re-opening of theatre
A GOLD KEY that was given to philanthropist Andrew Carnegie when he first opened the Adam Smith Theatre will go on show to mark the reopening of the Kirkcaldy venue.
The keepsake was one of two presented to VIP guests when the iconic theatre was inaugurated in 1899, but now that the venue has undergone a £7.8million makeover, the keys will be reunited for an exhibit at Kirkcaldy Galleries.
OnFife’s collections team leader, Gavin Grant, said: “The theatre’s reopening is a wonderful opportunity to reunite the two presentation keys for the first time since 1899.
“We’re delighted that visitors to Kirkcaldy Galleries can view these significant objects from the town’s history over the coming year.” marks the completion of a threeyear refurbishment programme.
Crafted by local jeweller Alex Constable, the keepsakes were not keys to the theatre itself but decorative items bearing Kirkcaldy’s coat of arms and inscriptions to each recipient.
The theatre was opened on 11 October 1899 to honour the hugely influential economist and philosopher Adam Smith, who was born in Kirkcaldy 300 years ago.
A sculpture of Smith by Italian artist Baron Carlo Marochetti (1805-67) will be on permanent display in the refurbished foyer.
The marble bust is part of the extensive art collection managed by cultural charity OnFife, which runs the theatre now transformed into a multi-purpose creative hub.
Speaking at the opening in 1899, Carnegie declared the venue “suitable for concerts, charades, private theatricals, meetings of philanthropic committees, lectures upon interesting and instructive topics and entertainments of all kinds”.
Accepting his ceremonial key from Mrs Elizabeth Beveridge, Carnegie said: “This key, presented in any circumstances, would have been precious beyond price.
“Coming, Madame, from you, the honoured wife of one of the benefactors of Kirkcaldy, I assure you this key must ever derive and retain tenfold value and (will be) handed down in our family as one of its most precious heirlooms.”
The steel magnate was also given the Freedom of the Burgh of Kirkcaldy at the ceremony.
The philanthropist’s key is being loaned by the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum. Mrs Beveridge’s keepsake is on long-term display at Kirkcaldy Galleries, which is also run by OnFife.
Following its inauguration, the Adam Smith quickly became a popular venue for plays, opera and concerts, as well as boxing tournaments and exhibitions of dance. In 1913, the first of many films was shown.
The building saw active service during two world wars housing members of the Highland Cyclist Battalion, as well as Polish troops, billeted in Fife to bolster coastal defences.
Major renovations were carried out to mark the 250th anniversary of Adam Smith’s birth in 1973, creating a new-look venue designed to meet the changing needs of the community.
Famous names who have walked the Adam Smith stage include David Bowie, James McAvoy, Jimmy Logan and others.
The theatre reopens on Saturday (September 23) with a concert of music, drama and dance hosted by Grant Stott.