Plaster Wall Sconces from the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago

          In 1966 two landmark buildings in Chicago, Orchestra Hall and The Auditorium Theatre, were undergoing extensive renovations. In both projects there was substantial skill required to replace and repair plaster work.

          Work began in the auditorium of Orchestra Hall even before the close of the Spring season in May and, in some parts of the building, continued even after the start of the Fall season in September. Management removed the organ console during this construction, but, as a hoped-for cost savings, decided not to remove the organ (pipes) itself. Unfortunately, during the reconstruction work significant damage was caused to the organ (pipes). Liability claims were made against the general contractor and its sub-contractors.

          I was a claims adjuster for the insurance company which insured the plastering sub-contractor for the Orchestra Hall project. By the time the claim was made, this contractor had moved on to the renovation of The Auditorium Theatre a few blocks away. It was at that location that I met and interviewed personnel in charge of the company’s work at Orchestra Hall.

          Part of this firm’s tasks at the Auditorium Theatre was the repair and replacement of the highly decorative sconces, for the walls and ceilings, which surrounded light fixtures. As described in the Sunday Magazine Section of the Chicago Tribune for 29 October 1967, “[A]nd everywhere they restored paint and plaster. Where old plaster ornamentation had been destroyed, they made molds and cast it anew. Where the 24-carat gold leaf had fallen, they replaced it–with gold paint, however, not with gold leaf, which the budget could not have endured.”

          The building has perhaps a dozen sconces, of different sizes and styles. When interviewing the plasterer foreman, I must have expressed my fascination with the casting of replacement sconces and, in passing, mentioned my wish that I had one to hang on my apartment wall as a work of art. When I returned for another talk with the foreman, he had, as a professional courtesy and a gift for me, prepared two sconces from the replacement molds. They were painted in one- and two-tone gold, and heavy wire had been embedded in the backs during casting to serve as hooks from which to hang the pieces. In pencil, on the back of both pieces the foreman signed his name and inscribed the date of “Jan. 16, 1967″ To cover the empty holes in the middle of each sconce, on the backs I placed mirror glass. Round sconce 24″ diameter. Square and half-circle sconce 22 ½” top to bottom.

          For 50 years these two sconces have been among my most prized possessions, adorning the walls of my various apartments and houses. After these 50 years, they are both in near perfect condition (with only the smallest of chipped paint). It pains me now to offer to part with them. Considering the unique nature of these artifacts, I feel my asking price is appropriate. For this full price, I am willing personally to deliver them to any location in Illinois, and from St. Louis to Milwaukee, Indianapolis to Des Moines. Also, for this full price I shall include the aforementioned Chicago Tribune Magazine section and my program from the Auditorium Theatre Grand Reopening performance on 31 October 1967 of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by the New York City Ballet, with ticket stub attached.

          And, by the way, our insured was not at fault and not liable for the damage to the Orchestra Hall organ!

Price: $ 800.00