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Grauman's Chinese Theatre |
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Another dream job became a reality in September 2001. I began restoration to
Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Seven
million dollars didn't go very far in aesthetics with bigger issues of
seismic repair, leaky roofs and a redesign of the concession stand. The
concession area (which didn't even exist in 1927) was pushed into the
vacated 1958 projection booth, opening up the lobby area to make the today's movie goers
experience far more comfortable. New seating, sound and a larger screen were also
purchased to rejuvenate this historical landmark.
The Chinese was operated by master showman, Sid Grauman.
The theatre is known for it's famous premieres and foot and hand print
ceremonies and is considered the most famous theatre in the world.
See below, and click to follow
to the various projects I had the opportunity to work on while at the
Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Popcorn and Ju-Ju Beads for everyone!
In preparation for the Academy Awards
2004, I was seen on the local news painting the copper roofs above the gift
shops. Be patient for the really huge file to download for viewing of
a low quality film clip. Enjoy!
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Opened May 18th, 1927
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Cast Stone Archway Repair
This
detailed architrave was covered up in the fifties with the ornate neon sign. To
restore the original appearance, the neon signs were removed to reveal the archway underneath. Damage where the sign was bolted to
the exterior needed to be repaired consisted of missing elements, saw cuts, and
bolt holes. Using an understructure, I sculpted with cement to build up the surface
to match the surrounding details.
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Exterior
Vestibule
Over the years, the exterior details were
painted over numerous times in hopes to 'refresh' and aging building. 75 years,
things being to alter or downright change in color and appearance. I tried to
recreate as accurately as possible the entrance the way it should have looked in
1927. The beautiful door windows had been painted black. I found gold leaf
underneath.
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Gold Lobby Ceiling
The lobby
has a ornate ceiling of silver leaf patina-ed to look like gold. This also has
a thick paper cut-out pattern to enhance it's beauty by revealing a geometric
floral design. Three areas were water-damaged. I had to remove the bulging
plaster, replace and restore the cut-out design then leaf and patina. This was labor intensive and painstaking work.
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Marble Heaven
Dogs
Actual marble Ming Dynasty Heaven Dogs
were in need of a face lift, literally. Located in the
theatre's famous outdoor forecourt
where stars have come to leave their hand and footprints. I repaired the
damaged Heaven Dogs using a mixture of marble epoxy glue and marble dust. |
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Exterior
Frieze
The theatre's exterior hadn't been painted in twenty years, therefore
scaffolding encircled the building to allow me to refresh it's look. Above the
tall Orange/Red columns are capitals with 22 individual panels consisting
of six different designs. These were painted the wrong color
over the years, as well as, losing their subtle detail. Extensive
blistering from water damage also need repairs. |
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Lobby Mural
Patches When the concession stand was moved, it revealed two
damaged sections of the Chinese
screen mural that encircles the four walls of the main lobby. I traced what
fragments could be saved and then used elements from the surrounding mural
to recreate the missing sections. These were on canvas to be installed like
wallpaper. |
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Cast
Stone Fountains
Detail of the back access panel. I made a mold of the stone texture, made the panel out of fiberglass
and resin then installed and painted it to match the surrounding surface. |
