You may be a regular theatre-goer, but do you ever wonder about the origins of the buildings that stage your favourite plays?

The distinctive, ornate architecture of theatres such as Richmond, Hammersmith's Lyric and the Coliseum in central London are the work of one man, Frank Matcham (1854-1920), the most prolific theatre architect of the 19th century, now the subject of a free, permanent exhibition at Richmond Theatre.

His Georgian, Italian Gothic and Oriental designs, never the same twice, are thought to be the most defining of theatres and places of entertainment.

As John Earl, president of the Matcham society says, "For many of us today, the word theatre conjures up a picture of a warm, Matcham-style auditorium, crusted with ornament and glowing in the reflected light from the stage."

Matcham was responsible for the architecture of more than 80 theatres, cinemas and other venues during his lifetime, including the Hackney Empire, Glasgow's King's Theatre, Belfast's Grand Opera House and even the Tower Ballroom and Circus in Blackpool.

Unfortunately, however, many of Matcham's designs are no longer in existence, or have been overhauled Shepherd's Bush Empire is one such example. Richmond Theatre, on the other hand, which was built in 1899 at a cost of £30,000, has survived intact both inside and out and is a superb example of his work.

The exhibition, which opens on Saturday, will be held in the theatre's Matcham Room and will feature some of the architect's drawings, colour reproductions of his finest buildings and photographs of people and places linked with his work.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Saturday January 26 and every subsequent Saturday in February from 1pm to 2.30pm, and admission is free. After February opening hours will be revised. Call the theatre on 020 8940 0088 for more details.