Exhibition tells story of Empire’s past
THE extraordinary Forgotten Theatre art exhibition will give a glimpse into the once-neglected Empire Theatre.
The art exhibition of works by John Hutton opens on Friday, June 23 at the Feather & Lawry Gallery in Toowoomba.
The story of the collection of oil paintings, drawings and etchings begins 25 years ago in 1992, when the artist was given access to the disused Empire movie theatre.
Mr Hutton snapped photos as he moved through the dilapidated building, his flash illuminating the faded remains of its once-opulent interior.
The atmospheric qualities of vacated spaces are a continuing source of inspiration for the artist.
He said he was intrigued by disused places.
“I am interested in places that were once alive but now exist as mere spaces without sound or movement, that have been reduced to facets of history but somehow retain their dignity.”
Built in 1911, the Empire Theatre played an important role in the cultural life of Toowoomba.
A fire in 1933 destroyed most of the building but it reopened in the same year, having been rebuilt in the bold art-deco style popular at the time.
By 1971 however, the Empire had closed its doors. It was used briefly as a storage warehouse before falling into disrepair.
Mr Hutton’s eerie photos remained tucked away in a drawer for many years before he decided to show them to people.
“I eventually started to do some pencil drawings in 2011, and these have extended into paintings and etchings,” he said.
The Forgotten Theatre is the culmination of the artist’s journey across two decades.
It also fits within a broader historical tapestry – a site of deep cultural resonance has been destroyed and revived, disregarded and re-imagined.
This year marks 20 years since the most recent reopening of the Empire Theatre in 1997, when the building was resurrected as a successful performing arts complex, with actor Geoffrey Rush as its patron.
John Hutton’s artworks are held in private collections in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.