Marquee Restoration Underway
The setting of barricades marks the beginning of the restoration of the historic 1930s marquee at The Lansdowne.
The project is made possible with generous grants from the Delaware County Council, Greater Lansdowne Civic Association and numerous individual donors.
We believe the last time the marquee was fully operational—all neon in-place and lit—was in the late 1950s. Over the years, components began to fail and were not repaired or replaced. The individual letters spelling “LANSDOWNE” were replaced in the 1960s with the current plastic panels. As part of the restoration, the letters will be re-fabricated and outlined in blue neon. Horizontal neon bands, long removed will be installed around the marquee.
The scripted “L” on the west face of the marquee will be repainted and outlined in neon. The glass face of the marquee will be fully restored with matching glass and fully backlit, the stainless steel cleaned and other metal surfaces repainted. The underside of the marquee will be relit with energy efficient LED light bulbs and the roof rebuilt.
Some have asked why we don't recreate the original sign. The decision was based on three factors — 1.) the cost would have been significantly more 2.) the current sign that will be restored has been a part of the building since sometime in the 1930s and is as historically significant as the original and 3.) the original sign was replaced because there was no local to highlight what was playing in the theater.
The sidewalk in front of the theater will remain open during construction. Please continue to support Cinema 16:9 and Regency Cafe during the project. Look for a relighting ceremony in the early summer.
Note to Photographers, Ghost Hunters, etc..
The Lansdowne Theater has been deluged with requests for photography sessions and ghost hunter groups who want to explore the theater. We are glad to accommodate your requests. The charge to use the theater for these purposes is $100 per hour with a 2 hour minimum. Please email or call the office for further details. The fee helps to offset utility and staff costs for these events. We are grateful for everyone's enthusiasm for this unique building.
Owen Biddle School of Photography Opens at The Lansdowne
Owen Biddle Photo School has just relocated to the offices at The Lansdowne. Owen is dedicated to making this art form accessible to anyone with the interest in developing their technique and eye. The school offers individual lessons, small group classes as well as photo field trips. Beginner to advanced photographers are welcome. For more information visit owenbiddlephotoschool.com. Owen may be reached directly at (610) 626-7854 or owenbiddlephotography@gmail.com.
The Lansdowne: Through the Photographer’s Lens
For the past few months there have been numerous photographers who have visited The Lansdowne to capture images of this space caught in time. Below are some links that take you to several of the photographers websites. Click on the photographers’ name to see their unique 'take' on The Lansdowne. Hope you enjoy!
Matt Lambros (you will have to scroll down to see The Lansdowne)
Mystery Poster Returns to the Outer Lobby Poster Cases
During the preparation for the November shooting of “Silver Linings Playbook” at The Lansdowne a poster was found behind some plywood in the outdoor lobby poster case.
The poster features a gaucho, cacti and other elements that make us believe that it depicts a scene in Mexico. There’s no indication that it’s from a movie and may have been installed as a decorative image to add to the theater's overall motif. The poster appears to have been from the 1930s and could possibly been hidden for decades. Let us know if you have any ideas why it was displayed.
The original has been removed for safe-keeping. Lansdowne photographer John Green generously photographed the original and Mark Gavin, owner of Appligent, printed copies of the posters for us.
Please Support the Campaign to Restore and Permanently Reopen the Theater.
Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation at 31 North Lansdowne Avenue Lansdowne, PA 19050. Donations can also be made through this website. Please join us in this important project!