Metal Stripping
Paul was astonished at how good the quality of the steel was underneath the paint/rust layers, especially since it’s 70 years old. Paul also took apart all internal elements (such as the tube supports and glass casings) as they’re salvageable and he hopes to reuse with our sign.
Primer Coat and Wood Supports Applied
All sign pieces have been given a primer coating before they’re taken to the metal shop for metal repair. Paul attaches wood planks to each piece to help support, as some of them are so damaged they fold underneath their own weight.
Full Gallery
Click on any image to view larger.
The Culver Theatre opened on August 13, 1946, with a seating capacity of around 1,100, showing the film “Red Stallion”
Albert R. Walker was the architect of record and Carl G. Moeller was the design consultant. The design style was “Streamline Moderne” or “Art Moderne;” a later version of art deco architecture which was less ornamental and more ‘aerodynamic’ in look.
The interior of the Culver was a “Skouras Style” confection. At a time when much design was getting the modern look, the head of Fox West Coast Theatres, Charles Skouras, had his architectural team in the late 40s and early 50s take a different tack towards a lush neobaroque feel.” Source