Historical information
The photo was donated to Ray Hudson Real Estate by David Lord, 9 Maude Street, Box Hill North, 3129. David Lord is son of Clive H Lord, FRAIA, Dip Arch Design who was the architect of the building.
Clive Harmsworth Lord (1905-1979) was admitted as a registered architect by the Architect's Registration Board in April 1931 (REF: TROVE - The Argus, 17 April 1931).
Electoral roll gives Clive Harmsworth Lord at 196 Union Road in 1954 and 1963 and in 1968 at 5 Streetham Court, Mont Albert.
He died at Mont Albert; cremated Springvale.
Date is approximate.
Roy Dimmick of Dimmick and Long, Len Rossiter and Robert Mitchell (+ and one of the other principals of Dimmick and Long) had the theatre built; Len Rossiter was the builder; Clive H Lord was the architect. The theatre was opened by the local member and prime minister, Robert Menzies on 3rd September 1939.
Dimmick & Long operated a real estate agency from the corner of the building.
Owned / operated by Surrey Theatres Pty Ltd (L Rossiter and Robert Mitchell) from 3/9/1939-1/1/1952
Owned / operated by Victoria Theatres Pty Ltd from 1/11/1950 to 22/10/1960
Owned / operated by Consolidated Theatres Pty Ltd from 1/3/1958 to 22/10/1960
The theatre became a squash court in the (?) 1960s.
SHNN: April-May 1986: Plans are afoot to revamp the squash courts with existing shops to remain but with the interior to be converted to office showroom space.
40-2286 is a black and white photocopy made by Jocelyn Hall.
SLV have other photos including ones of the foyer.
Physical description
Sepia image of the interior of the Surrey Theatre at 140-148 Union Road, Surrey Hills. It is taken from the stage (screen) back towards the projection box. The two entrances can just be seen behind the curtained area behind the back row. The ceiling has typical 1930s decorative treatment.
Inscriptions & markings
Original: Commercial Photographic Co Pty Ltd on lower RH edge.
Stamp on back: Commercial Photographic Coy. / Pty. Ltd. / 217 Queensberry St., Melbourne, N3. / (Details re ordering prints) / Telephone F5266
