Locovisual

The St James theatre located along Courtney place is a historically influential building in the middle of one of the busiest areas in Wellington. Originally called “his majesty’s theatre” later to be renames St James theatre; it was constructed in 1912 and was well known for being the largest theatre building in Oceania at the time. Designed by Henry White it is obvious by the ornamental features and pillars that he was heavily inspired by the classical (neoclassicism) and has touches of ornamental rococo like movement. However functionality was also key, as Henry wanted to create a good theatre, this including “a clear vision line from every seat in the auditorium; perfect acoustics, and a scheme of ventilation that will ventilate” [Henry White, cited from St James Theatre Courtney Place, Wellington Cochran, Christopher] he also made it clear that he focused on comfort, making sure there was enough leg room, and the seat were well padded. Similar to the Parthenon it has column like features decorating the outside of the building and grand interior ornamental structures reflecting the curvature of the rococo movement. the 2 storey high pilasters support a cornice with an arch above to really exaggerate and help ad a luxurious and elegant feel. The original materials used were concrete inside steel framing, with plaster being used for the embellishments in the interior as well as marble, brass, rimu and glass with the building taking only 9months to complete at a total of 32,000 pounds. During 1980s the building faced destruction however with help from Wellington residents the building was saved and 19.6 million was put in to refurbish and bring the building up to safety standards. It still stands today, a grand historical building and is still currently used by the public every day.

Mishayla Retimana

Reference list

Images retrieved from http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2283/2289740452_88a9a98aca.jpg 2012

http://www.conventionsnz.co.nz/MetaPicHandler.ashx?JPEG=_1539_4_1_6_4_0_.metapicx 2012

Mc Gill, David.1998, Full circle: the history of the St James Theatre.Phantom House, Wellington NZ.

Cochran, Christopher [conservation architect]. 1993, St James Theatre, Courtney Place, Wellington: Cultural Heritage Assesment.New Zealand Historic Places Trust/Pouhere Taonga. Wellington NZ

St James Theatre, 2012.  retrieved from http://www.stjames.co.nz/about-us

Holdings Information"About This Book"