Herbert Theatre, Islington
Every time I've driven past the corner of Maitland Rd & Beaumont St, Islington I've wondered just what this old building used to be. What remains suggests a grand building in its day, but nearly all the features that made it so have been removed long ago. A kitchen cabinetry business currently resides there, promoted in a half-hearted fashion. I've always thought it was an odd use of the space and, like I do with a lot of buildings in Newcastle, imagine how else the space could be used to attract people and encourage creativity.
Today I decided have a nose around. And I am so glad I did.
As it turns out the building was designed by Mr E.F. Hewitt in 1928 as a theatre for Mr W. Herbert. It was built around the same time as the Civic Theatre and held as many people. The plans for Herbert Theatre survive today in the University of Newcastle archives. I've included pics of the elevations below, so you can see how it would have looked 80 years ago.
At some point Hoyts acquired the Theatre and about forty years ago decided to sell up. For the princely sum of $20,000, with the old cinema stripped of its rows of chairs and projection equipment, was now in new hands. Over this time the Herbert Theatre has been an auction house and remnants of this time still remain. Old furniture, light fittings, mirrors, ladders, plumbing supplies and mannequins continue to take refuge.
http://www.thenovocastrianfiles.com/2010/10/herbert-theatre-islington.html
Today I decided have a nose around. And I am so glad I did.
As it turns out the building was designed by Mr E.F. Hewitt in 1928 as a theatre for Mr W. Herbert. It was built around the same time as the Civic Theatre and held as many people. The plans for Herbert Theatre survive today in the University of Newcastle archives. I've included pics of the elevations below, so you can see how it would have looked 80 years ago.
Beaumont St elevation
Maitland Rd elevation
Internal elevation illustrating the view to the theatre screen.
At some point Hoyts acquired the Theatre and about forty years ago decided to sell up. For the princely sum of $20,000, with the old cinema stripped of its rows of chairs and projection equipment, was now in new hands. Over this time the Herbert Theatre has been an auction house and remnants of this time still remain. Old furniture, light fittings, mirrors, ladders, plumbing supplies and mannequins continue to take refuge.
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