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LORNE CINEMA
Other NameLORNE PICTURE THEATRE Location76-80 MOUNTJOY PARADE LORNE, SURF COAST SHIRE
File NumberPL-HE/03/1381LevelRegistered |
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Statement of Significance
What is significant? The first picture theatre was subsequently built on the Lorne
foreshore in 1916, and its popularity resulted in the construction of
a larger theatre adjacent to it. Talking pictures were shown by the
late 1920s and the decision to build the present theatre in a new
location on the foreshore was made a decade later. The completion of
the Great Ocean Road in 1932 encouraged tourists to the town and would
have influenced this decision. The two storey rendered concrete facade is Art Deco in style. The
plain symmetrical upper facade is divided vertically into five
sections with the central protruding bay incorporating a vertical name
sign, flanking recessed panels with vertical members or windows, and a
parapet composed of horizontal strips above. The flanking side bays
are recessed at the corner of the building and are devoid of
decoration except for a small window low on the facade and a
horizontal decorative motif above. Shops flank the central theatre
entrance. The simple Art Deco interior of the building retains a high degree of
integrity. Original finishes include terrazzo floors, geometrically
patterned ceiling panels, simple metal balustrading and carpets, and
fixtures such as seating and lighting.
How is it significant?
Why is it significant? The Lorne Cinema is of historical significance for its association
with the development of one of Victoria's premier seaside resorts,
particularly after the opening of the Great Ocean Road in 1932 and for
its association with a major form of popular entertainment in the
twentieth century. It reflects the popularity of this form of
entertainment in country Victoria from the late 1930s to the 1950s.
The Lorne Cinema was constructed in 1937 and opened the same year
in a central and prominent location in the popular seaside resort. It
has operated continuously as a cinema since that time. It was opened
by the Lorne Picture Theatre Company, which was established as early
as 1915 by Lorne residents, including photographer Albert Jarratt.
The Lorne Cinema is of architectural and historical significance
to the State of Victoria.
The Lorne Cinema is of architectural significance as a modest
example of a purpose-built theatre in the Art Deco style. It is a rare
example of a cinema that retains the single screen format and of the
Moderne style used in a rural location. The high degree of integrity
of the interior and exterior of the Lorne Cinema demonstrates its
continuous use as a cinema and the characteristics of this type of place.
Group
Recreation and Entertainment
Category
Cinema