Mappin Terraces

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Scope note(s)

  • The Mappin Terraces are the Zoo's largest and most prominent feature. They were built as 'an installation for the panoramic display of wild animals' in the form of artificial mountains. This 'naturalistic' approach to animal display, which derived from the work of Carl Hagenbeck in Hamburg, was intended to improve living conditions for the animals and viewing conditions for the visitors. It was built 1913-14, designed by Sir Peter Chalmers Mitchell; funded by John Newton Mappin; John James Joass, architect; Alexander Drew, engineer; D G Somerville and Company, reinforced-concrete contractors. Resurfaced and screens on steps remade 1968-72, John Toovey, architect. Vacated 1985. Grade II listed. The Mappin Terraces now house the Outback exhibit. It closed in July 1985 when the bears left. It reopened as Bear Mountain in 1997. Reopened again as the Outback Exhibit in 2008 with Wallabies and Emus.

Source note(s)

  • The Buildings of London Zoo

Display note(s)

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    Mappin Terraces

    Mappin Terraces

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      Mappin Terraces

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        Mappin Terraces

          6 Archival description results for Mappin Terraces

          Only results directly related
          Tender for the Restoration and Waterproofing of the Mappin Terraces
          LEG/2/9 · File · 1969-1971
          Part of Legal

          Folder 1: Tender for the Restoration and Waterproofing of the Mappin Terraces - Conditions of Contract, Specifications and Bill of Quantities. Includes 4 drawings: 4105/1 - Goat Enclosures 'A' and 'B', Plans and Elevations; 4105/2 - Bear Enclosures '2'
          Memorandum on Proposed Natural History Cinema at Regent's Park
          SEC/10/2/1/8 · Item · 8 Sep 1936
          Part of ZSL Secretaries

          Proposal for a cinema as an important agency of a broad educational policy as well as a source of revenue. When the Mappin Terraces were first constructed in 1913, it was originally proposed to build a cinema in the space below them. However the Aquarium was substituted
          Mappin, Mrs E E
          SEC/9/1/17 · Item · 1913
          Part of ZSL Secretaries

          Letter from Mrs E E Mappin regarding the estate of John Newton Mappin and authorising the payment for completing the work on the Mappin Terraces at the Zoological Gardens
          Accident at the Mappin Terraces
          LEG/20/2 · File · 1978-1982
          Part of Legal

          Correspondence, reports and photographs regarding an accident at the Mappin Terraces when a child fell 25 feet