Wordy Birds: The Byrd
Hello All.
When I picked up my copy of "The Byrd: Celebrating the Byrd Theatre, Incredible History, Exciting Future," I wasn't thinking about the new multiplex that was opening downtown. I wasn't thinking about the economy, nor the Academy Awards. I was thinking, thank God someone finally wrote a book documenting the Byrd Theatre.
The Byrd Theatre , aka Richmond's Landmark Movie Palace, opened on Christmas Eve in 1928. It's a stunning place. "Every square foot has something to grab your eye," said George Bruner Jr., author, in this interview. It was a movie theatre built to resemble great European performance theaters, with French paintings, architecture and ambiance. The building today is in its original form and is still being used for its intended purpose.
"But it's survived through the wars and the Great Depression," said Wayne Dementi, photographer and co-contributor to the book.
The building is also proof that Richmond can produce fantastic, spectacular, and sustainable work when it wants to.
Throughout the course of the show, we hit on some of the highlights: the mighty Wurlitzer organ, the chandelier, the paintings, the stream in the basement etc.
Think of it as a radio tour of the building... without the popcorn.
Thanks for tuning in.
Please sign in to respond | | Register