THEATRE DECORATIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12083, 11 August 1917, Page 9

THEATRE DECORATIONS.

The mnnv patrons of local _ picture theatres cannot- fail to ■!*««"* transformation eltcc.cd by Mi 1. 11. Davies and hi* fitalt of decorators at the Queen's Theatre. The auditorium presents -under remodelled, conditions —a most inviting and artistic appearance Acting on a suggestion of an expert attached to Mr Davies s staff the directors of the Queens Picture Theatre gavo authority . to prepare plans and""specifications for the erection of a beautifully designed and modelled procenium (executed by Messrs 1. Andrews and Son). This was brought ior- ' ward sufficiently to allow for the hrst stereoscopic projecting chamber m New Zealand; this enables a front-seater to view the performance with a maximum amount of comfort. Many maintain that the front, row of stalls is now .superior to the long range back seats. "\Ve agree that many details are more definite from these front, stalls, and without doubt patrons arriving late need not hesitate about sitting close up to the screen. The screen is treated with a specially manufactured flat enamel: this has the .effect of concentrating the projected light on the screen only. The stage and orchestra pit have been remodelled with enhanced appearance to audienco and comfort of performers. AH light has been obscured fio that every atom of light is obliterated, and one views tho picture without the visipn being affected by any other reflected light. Tho decorations are of a comjmsite character, embracing mainly the Louis XV. period; panels of delicately tinted blue, styles of graded cream, terminating with a boldly designed frieze of crimson and gold, distinguish the upper section of walls. The lower portion of wall.s below the panels is a, bright trwracotta with a. cream and gold frieze. A feature of the decorations is the high relief painting. This shows high technical ability of the craftsmen employed by Mr Davies. The original architectural proportions and features have assumed a marked eha.ugc, the colouring and applied ornament are arranged so that the theatre now seems brighter and cosier. The whole of the work was executed from the drawing of tho original design to the final application of the ornament and colouring by Mr T. H. Davies's regular staff of decorators, and is an excellent .example of what our local craftsmen can accomplish. The vestibule and stair hall i 9 an excellent example of Louis XV. ornament and colouring. The decorative treatment of the landscape panels is beautifully toned and full of sunlight. Patrons will find much to admire in these very handsome sketches. The amount of detail and organisation required to accomplish this class of work without closing down a theatre can only be undertaken by an experienced and efficient firm. The Queen's Theatre Company are to be lated ou the result. 2145