St Kilda’s The Palais Theatre is set to be repainted in its original 1927 sand colour.
As part of $20 million restoration project for the local icon, the venue will also see maintenance and refurbishments, including improvements to its electrical systems as well as fire protection.
The building’s original sand colour was done so because of the particular finish used at the time of construction, the early 20th century; iron sulphate reacts with the plaster to create the venues original yellow-orange appearance.
These finishes were commonly used in the early twentieth century as a money-saving method as they were cheaper than paint finishes available when the Palais was built.
The venue’s current off-white paint job came about in the middle of the 20th century at a time when the Palais was being renovated to include a larger orchestra pit and more dressing rooms.
The government says the decision to repaint may have been because the original finish of the venue had ‘faded and become streaked, leaving the building with a blotchy and uneven grey finish.’
Image via Broadsheet Melbourne
According to Broadsheet, Heritage Australia has a history of encouraging the repainting buildings in their original colours where possible. Simply look at Flinders Street Station, the building is set to return to its former stone-coloured glory next year.
“We promised to save the Palais – and we’re doing just that,” said Martin Foley, Minister of Creative Industries. “The work currently being done will ensure it remains an important part of St Kilda’s culture and Victoria’s live music scene for many years to come.”
