Men At Work

Thanks to the generosity of many, many people, corporations and the City of Birmingham, 7 million dollars has been raised to save the 100 year old Lyric Theatre.  For those of you who have followed my blog for years, you've seen the good, the bad, and the very ugly.  I have been fortunate to have gotten inside for photos for about 4years.   Since that time, I've been able to go back and even take fellow photographers to Shoot The Lyric.  Now the renovation has begun, and I am thrilled to be asked to document the process. Last Tuesday, Glenny Brock took me inside to meet the crew and learn the drill. Hard hats required and I can't wear my cute boots next time. Got it!

Here's a look at one of my new best friends. They have made the scaffolding safe for us, and I made sure Glenny told them how lucky they were to be helping renovate this Birmingham treasure.  I will be sharing more photos. I hope I won't bore you,  but this is a project close to my heart and a part of Birmingham's history.  I want you along for the ride!

I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS!!!

I'm a lucky girl. I was there at the Lyric Theatre  yesterday, when Glenny Brock took a deep breath and walked across the scaffolding on the top level and actually got to TOUCH the ceiling detail for the first time. It was a very big deal for all of us who love the Lyric.  The renovation is in full swing,  and I'm so grateful to be able to photograph the progress. It will hard to top Glenny's glee!

Play It Again Sam

As our faithful band of curious photographers combed the historic 99 year old Lyric Theatre last Sunday, we moved to the adjoining office building and started exploring. On some of the top floors, where I'd never been before, we found the pipes and parts of an organ and also these xylophones.  Who knows if they will ever be used again but what a great find!

Up On The Roof

Yesterday we gathered another group of enthusiastic photographers for Shoot The Lyric, Part II.  The 99 year old Lyric Theatre as no AC of course so we were a hearty but hot group.  Somehow I was persauded into climbing all six floors of the adjoining office building and........ up on the roof. The breeze was most welcome as was the chance to see our city from that vantage point.  I finally got to see the beautiful detail at the top of the historic Alabama Theatre across the street!

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 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.

The Lyric Theatre Series - Time to Exit

Today marks the end of this series. I hope you have enjoyed the tour through this grand old place. Of course,  I will keep you up to date on the latest restoration efforts.  For now.... we must exit.  We will return to our regular programming tomorrow.  Thank you for your kind comments this week.

The Lyric Theatre Series - The Photographer's Eye

This last trip to the Lyric Theatre, my photography buddies Mike, LaTrelle and Rip joined me.  As I was leaving the hallway that led to the balcony, Mike Callahan was setting up his next photograph.  I got off a quick shot (without my tripod, as usual)  as I went down the stairs.

For my Birmingham readers... coming soon!


 FROM SNAPSHOTS TO PHOTOGRAPHS

My five week classes are designed just for you, the amateur photographer who wants to start taking better photographs.  Maybe it's vacation photos or precious family memories.  Email me for further information!

The Lyric Theatre Series III - Former Glam

Perhaps these photographs today will give you an idea of the former grandeur of this wonderful place.

Here are two excellent videos that you will enjoy here and here.

The Lyric Theatre Series II - The Details

Many of you who  have followed my blogs for a while,  know that it's all in the details for me. My camera is drawn to them every time.  This day, I wandered alone to the balcony of the Lyric.  What a wonderful find....these two strips of molding by the window with the noonday sun streaming in.  I know the renovation will be a blessing, but somehow I hope they hang onto these treasures, on this wonderful old plaster wall with its layers of (peeling) painted history.

Here are two fine videos that you will enjoy here and here.

The Lyric Theatre Part I- Stage Door Johnny

The only Stagedoor Johnnies these days, are the pigeons that have made their home in the balconies for years.  

This week I'm heading into uncharted territory. For the first time on BADP, I will be featuring a weeklong series of photographs from Birmingham's historic Lyric Theater.  I've featured photos from previous photo shoots. Recently my friend and Alabama Theater volunteer Tom Cronier, was able to help me and my fellow shooters, Mike, LaTrelle, and Rip have a chance to get in and have a look around. The Lyric was built in 1913 and for many years was a grand vaudeville house.   The years have not been kind, but it is in the slow and laborious process of being restored by Birmingham Landmarks Inc., and we in Birmingham have high hopes.  In the meantime, the disrepair makes for some interesting shots.  I hope you enjoy the series.

Here are two very nice videos that you will enjoy here and here.