Peter Sheridan - Australia's Art Deco Picture Palaces

Against the difficulties of life during World War I, then the Spanish Flu, followed by the Great Depression, Australians sought refuge in the excitement of the cinema. Movies, even the silent ones, allowed escape for over 65% of the population who visited their favourite movie theatres weekly.

Prevailing glamour fashions and the Art Deco movement found their way into filmmaking and the architecture that went with it. Cinemas became Art Deco palaces where Saturday night was the place to be — the women dressed in evening gowns and the men in tuxedos.

Most of these picture palaces have disappeared. Those few remaining deserve preservation intact before we lose that part of our cultural and architectural heritage.

Dr Peter Sheridan AM is a world-renowned authority on Art Deco design and is dedicated to the conservation of our Art Deco cinemas. He is also highly respected dentist in Sydney whose Member of the Order of Australia (AM) was in recognition of his work with people with Multiple Sclerosis.

$5 includes a wine and cheese supper; free for LCHS members