The 'art deco' style of this light did not become fashionable in Australia until almost a decade after the light was designed. The design, using three-dimensional interplay of abstract shapes, reveals the Griffins' awareness of the latest in overseas trends - long before they were popular in Australia.
The Capitol light also reflects the Griffins design philosophy and their abiding concern for extending the design of buildings to include interior spaces, fixtures and fittings. The Capitol Theatre was designed by the Griffins in 1921-24 as part of the Capitol House shop and office complex, 109 Collins Street, Melbourne.
The maker of the light is unknown; the manufacturer may yet be revealed by examining the Capitol Theatre Company minute books held at the Latrobe Library, Melbourne. As documented in the minute books, the Melbourne-based Stucoid Plaster Art Co. was responsible for the theatre's extraordinary ceiling decorations.
The star-shaped ceiling lights were inset into the lowered ceiling of the Capitol Theatre, around the perimeter of the theatre stalls.
The lights were removed from the Capitol when it was remodelled in the mid-1960s and subsequently dispersed by the demolition contractors. Two lights were bought by the Melbourne dealer John Wolfram (now deceased) who sold one to Micky Wolfson (Wolsonian Collection, Miami) and one to the present Melbourne owner who wishes to remain anonymous. All dealings were through Tony Palmer Pty Ltd, Art Dealer and Valuer.
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