This photo is one of a series of photos taken by the Commercial Photographic Company (2007/191/1-1:49). It seems likely that the photos were taken around the time of the opening of the theatre on 15 March 1929. In photo 2007/191/1-1/1 the architect's and consulting engineer's sign is still in place. The film advertised on the awning, "The Trail of 98", was released in the USA on 20 March 1928. In photo 2007/191/1-1/13 there is an advertising poster for the film "The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg" which was released in the USA on 30 January 1928. According to Sandy Barrie's "Australians behind the camera: directory of early photographers, 1841-1945" the Commercial Photographic Company was situated at 116 Little Collins Street from 1930 to 1935 and at 217 Queensbury Street, Carlton from 1936 to 1945. The photographer's stamp on the reverse of the photo gives the address as 224-228 Little Collins Street. Presumably this was the company's address prior to 1930.

Photographic print, black & white, main auditorium of Regent Theatre, Commercial Photographic Company, Melbourne, Victoria, 1929?

Taken from the stage looking down the length of the auditorium, showing orchestra area, stalls, dress circle, colonnades and domed cieling.

Photographed: Commercial Photographic Company; Melbourne, Victoria; 1929

Embossed on front lower right "COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC / COY. MELB.". Stamp on reverse lower right "COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COY. / 224-228 LITTLE COLLINS ST. MELB. C.I. / When ordering further prints please / quote No 17 / CENTRAL 7339".

2007/191/1-1/27

1929

300 mm

247 mm