Save The Lyric Series - The Balcony

The Lyric was the few movie theaters in the South to have segregated seating for blacks and whites at the same ticket price. The blacks entered from the 18th Street North side of the building and climbed this staircase to get to the top balcony where they sat.  Whites occupied the mezzanine and bottom floor.

The first time I photographed here, about 4 years ago, there were pigeons roosting in these upper windows.  Although in disrepair, I love the elegant plaster detail that is still evident today.


If you would like to learn more about the restoration efforts of the Lyric visit their website SAVE THE LYRIC.com

Save the Lyric Series - The Lower Balcony

Today, the third of my series on the restoration of the Lyric Theatre.  The lower balcony or the mezzanine, still maintains it's beautiful details and graceful curve,  although the seats have now been ripped out ( except for one).  Tomorrow we'll visit the upper balcony and learn its history.

If you would like to learn more about the restoration efforts of the Lyric visit their website SAVE THE LYRIC.com

Save the Lyric Series - The Stage

Today, we visit the stage of the Lyric Theare.  One of the most stunning pieces is the wonderful curtain ( as seen on my header) that proudly proclaims that it is made of asbestos!  Back in vaudeville days, backstage fires were common, so an asbestos curtain was a safety feature to boast about.  Today it has been sealed so prevent contamination.  The ample wings and depth of this stage and the marvelous acoustics make it an excellent choice for ballet, theater and musical concerts. There is already a great amount of interest within the community to rent the building when restorations are complete.

Birmingham Landmarks has contracted with National Community Development Services to lead a 7 million dollar restoration effort.  Please visit their website for more information on how you can contribute.

Save the Lyric Theatre Series - The Lobby

The historic Lyric Theatre opened in 1914 as a vaudeville theater. Over the years it became a movie theatre but has fallen into tragic disrepair.  Luckily there is a strong movement to raise funding for the restoration. This week I will be featuring photographs that I have been fortunate to make on four different occasions over the last four years. Hopefully these posts will raise awareness and perhaps spark and interest with future donors.

Birmingham Landmarks has contracted with National Community Development Services to lead a 7 million dollar restoration effort.  The first phase will be the restoration of the lobby.  Recently the entire space has been blasted with dry ice dust to reveal the beautiful architectural details such as this.