Walter Emden

Walter Lawrence Emden (1847[1] – 1913) was one of the leading English theatre and music hall architects[2] in the building boom of 1885 to 1915.

Emden also became a member of the Strand District Board of Works, a forerunner of local councils, and for seven years acted as chair.

From 1889, Emden entered a partnership with Charles J. Phipps building the Tivoli, Garrick Theatre and Duke of York's.

He also had a younger half-brother, Henry (1852–1930), who was a leading scenic artist, painting the stage curtain for Walter's Trafalgar Theatre in 1892.

He was the first mayor not to be a member of the Town Council, and was elected under a special provision of the Municipal Corporations Act enabling a duly qualified burgess to take the position.