Page 33 - RD_2015_12

A photo taken at the Fairfield in
2000 shows a section of the ceiling
space and rear wall. A later treatment of
cement render has been removed
(bottom, right) and beneath it is the first
interior design, a symmetrical border
painted directly on to the brickwork.
This was common practice; painted
remnants of original décor can still be
seen in the former Lyric Fitzroy, in
Johnson Street.
In the Fairfield photo the render is
intact on most of the wall and in it is
the newer design; a plaster border
enclosing a cameo with a draped frieze.
This was also a standard 1920s
treatment for theatre walls. The former
Regent Thornbury (1925), now the
Midas Reception Centre, shows a
similar style.
The colour scheme at the Fairfield
was tan walls, and eggshell blue border
surrounding a peach background for the
The Appreciation certificate presented to Bill Davies by the Fairfield staff. cameo.
(Davies family album) What I have found interesting is the
beautifully restored decor of the
Thornbury Regent, now the Midas
Reception Centre. The walls at the
Fairfield were very similar. ★

Don’t Miss
The Next
A fragment of the original painted wall is bottom right, while above it is the later plaster Exciting
pattern. Image: Robert Knight.
Episode of:
Through the
Porthole
At this
CinemaRecord,
next issue

Left: Similar plaster relief at the former
Regent Thornbury. The cameo figure in
various poses was a favourite design. They
continue to grace the walls of the
Athenaeum and the Princess, Melbourne.
Image: Robert Knight

CINEMARECORD 2005 33