Midwest Theater’s proscenium and fresco ceiling

Growing up in a small town in Nebraska I didn’t always have “Big City” experiences other than on family vacations. My one piece of cosmopolitan life was a 1940s-era theatre designed by then-prominent Denver architect, Charles D. Strong. The Midwest Theater, designed in the modernist/deco style and containing architectural elements of towering stainless steel, swirling neon and dramatic molded plaster, always sung to me as a beautiful beacon of glamour and hope. Even in its somewhat rundown 1980s condition I could daydream and reflect upon a lifestyle and sophistication that at the time seemed so distant but, I hoped, obtainable one day.

Midwest marquee, our pattern ‘Broadway Stars’

For me, the beautiful irony of growing up is realizing that, while glamour is only skin-deep and sophistication is in the eye of the beholder, the potential emotional impact of both can truly inspire the spirit and soul of even the most stolid observer. It is for this reason that both are still heavily prevalent in everything that I design and create.

Our fabric pattern ‘Reel of Fortune’, Midwest terrazzo floor medallion

As Romain and I began to create a collection of wallpaper patterns and wax poetic about our company’s mission, it became very important to us that our work reflected our points of view, personalities, and our past and present and future. Immediately the Midwest came to me as a source of inspiration, and from the architectural details a series of patterns emerged. Though we’ve currently unveiled only three patterns in the Moderne West collection reminiscent of the grand movie house we have a number of others that will debut in the coming months.

A hint at what’s to come…

Today the Midwest exudes as much glitz and glamour as the famous Egyptian or Chinese theatre in Hollywood, having been fully restored to its former glory by a local nonprofit group, and is used not only for classic and indie films but also live theatre and music performances. We invite you to bring a little bit of that glory into your own home with our Moderne West collection.

-Patrick

To find out more about the Midwest Theater, visit:

nebraskarts.com
Midwest Theater on Facebook