LostMemory posted:
“NYC issued a C/O to a building at 52-54 West 8th St on February 1, 1929 for a 490 seat motion picture theater. I’m not sure who "Frederick Kiesler” the arcitect listed at the top of this page is, but he architects name on the C/O is Eugene DeRosa."
Frederick Kiesler was the architect, but was not licensed in NYC at the time the building was done; DeRosa’s name was likely put on the building permit to fulfill legal requirements. Kiesler was the only designer.
Hello,
I have just published a historical article on the Guild (with a lot of photos!) if anyone is interested…
here is the reference info and abstract:
McGuire, L. M. A Movie House in Space and Time: Frederick Kiesler’s Film Arts Guild Cinema, New York, 1929. Studies in the Decorative Arts v. 14 no. 2 (Spring/Summer 2007) p. 45-78
Abstract: Part of a special issue on the study of American Modernist design. In 1929, Viennese artist and architect Frederick Kiesler constructed the most innovative cinema in the U.S. Lacking perceptible walls, curtains, and a stage, Kiesler’s design for the International Film Arts Guild’s Guild Cinema on West 8th Street in New York City, completed in 1929, was meant to transport the audience from total darkness into a drama of light unfolding not only in front of but all around them. As going to the movies was a regular experience for most people, Kiesler hoped that his new concept for the cinema would popularize Modernism, and in this way, he intended to mobilize mainstream capitalism in order to permeate an everyday entertainment with avant-garde ideals. This was a building in which Kiesler attempted to create a vessel for the movement and perception of waves and particles in time and space—the perfect environment, he felt, for an experience with the fourth dimension. The writer describes the building in detail.
The Varsity originally had only one screen when it opened on November 20, 1936. The balcony was converted into a second screen in the 70’s I believe. The original sign (no longer there) was nearly 40 feet tall. It was built by the Interstate Circuit chain, under the direction of Interstate’s city manager, Louis Novy. The first film it showed was “The Texas Rangers”. It was a large event locally, complete with a radio broadcast of the opening ceremonies. In addition, the Austin American Statesman ran a congratulatory section for two days about the Varsity. It was considered exceptionally modern by the locals and Austin’s first suburban theater—the Austin American Statesman called it “the new as tomorrow” theater.
Unfortunately, I haven’t yet been able to locate any information about the architect. Will let you all know when I do.
LostMemory posted:
“NYC issued a C/O to a building at 52-54 West 8th St on February 1, 1929 for a 490 seat motion picture theater. I’m not sure who "Frederick Kiesler” the arcitect listed at the top of this page is, but he architects name on the C/O is Eugene DeRosa."
Frederick Kiesler was the architect, but was not licensed in NYC at the time the building was done; DeRosa’s name was likely put on the building permit to fulfill legal requirements. Kiesler was the only designer.
Hello,
I have just published a historical article on the Guild (with a lot of photos!) if anyone is interested…
here is the reference info and abstract:
McGuire, L. M. A Movie House in Space and Time: Frederick Kiesler’s Film Arts Guild Cinema, New York, 1929. Studies in the Decorative Arts v. 14 no. 2 (Spring/Summer 2007) p. 45-78
Abstract: Part of a special issue on the study of American Modernist design. In 1929, Viennese artist and architect Frederick Kiesler constructed the most innovative cinema in the U.S. Lacking perceptible walls, curtains, and a stage, Kiesler’s design for the International Film Arts Guild’s Guild Cinema on West 8th Street in New York City, completed in 1929, was meant to transport the audience from total darkness into a drama of light unfolding not only in front of but all around them. As going to the movies was a regular experience for most people, Kiesler hoped that his new concept for the cinema would popularize Modernism, and in this way, he intended to mobilize mainstream capitalism in order to permeate an everyday entertainment with avant-garde ideals. This was a building in which Kiesler attempted to create a vessel for the movement and perception of waves and particles in time and space—the perfect environment, he felt, for an experience with the fourth dimension. The writer describes the building in detail.
The Varsity originally had only one screen when it opened on November 20, 1936. The balcony was converted into a second screen in the 70’s I believe. The original sign (no longer there) was nearly 40 feet tall. It was built by the Interstate Circuit chain, under the direction of Interstate’s city manager, Louis Novy. The first film it showed was “The Texas Rangers”. It was a large event locally, complete with a radio broadcast of the opening ceremonies. In addition, the Austin American Statesman ran a congratulatory section for two days about the Varsity. It was considered exceptionally modern by the locals and Austin’s first suburban theater—the Austin American Statesman called it “the new as tomorrow” theater.
Unfortunately, I haven’t yet been able to locate any information about the architect. Will let you all know when I do.