Lilian Baylis (1874-1937)

Wikipedia

Lilian Baylis was a theatrical producer and manager. She managed the Old Vic and Sadler's Wells theatres, as well as running an opera company, which became the English National Opera, a theatre company that evolved into the English National Theatre, and a ballet company, which eventually became The Royal Ballet. When she was managing The Old Vic, she began a national campaign to save Sadler’s Wells Theatre in Islington.

Sadler’s Well had been providing theatre and entertainment since 1683, but by 1925, it was derelict. Baylis raised funds to rebuild the theatre, which reopened in 1931. A new Sadler’s Wells Theatre opened in 1998 and Lilian is commemorated in a performance space named the Lilian Baylis Studio.

Baylis nurtured countless stars, and her legacy reminds us of the creative history of Islington. Sadlers Wells brings joy to many, and Islington remains a cultural hub of the arts.