Thebarton Theatre is one of Adelaide’s most iconic and historically significant entertainment venues. To preserve its architectural heritage while elevating its presentation for modern audiences, AJ Blunt Painting partnered with Kennett Builders to deliver a high-precision heritage painting project focused on the auditorium and decorative ceiling.

The project involved working within strict heritage guidelines, collaborating closely with architects, heritage consultants, and multiple stakeholders to ensure colours, finishes, and detailing were historically accurate and aligned with the building’s original character.

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Thebarton Theatre

Name: Painting Services Package
Brand: AJ Blunt Painting
Rating: 5 (110 reviews)

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Location

Thebarton

Client

Project Partner: Kennett Builders

Duration

8 week project

Scope

Full internal repaint of the Auditorium

Colours Used

Scope of Works

Full heritage repaint of the auditorium ceiling, including intricate plaster detailing and decorative mouldings.
Colour matching and consultation to ensure accuracy with heritage specifications.
Specialist preparation and coating systems designed for heritage substrates.
Careful staging and access planning to work safely at height without impacting the structure or decorative elements.
Final clear coating and detailing to highlight the ceiling’s ornate craftsmanship.

Project Challenges

Complex Decorative Ceiling: The enormous, highly detailed plaster ceiling required delicate preparation and specialist brushing and spraying techniques.
Multiple Stakeholders: Regular coordination between Kennett Builders, heritage architects, council representatives, and theatre management was essential.
Strict Heritage Guidelines: Every product, finish, and application method needed approval and documentation.
Access and Safety: Works were completed at significant height using scaffolding systems and elevated work platforms, ensuring safety while maintaining ceiling integrity.

Heritage Considerations

All coatings were selected based on heritage compatibility, breathability, and durability.
Original colours were meticulously matched through on-site sampling and heritage paint analysis.
Detailed mock-ups and test patches were created and signed off prior to full-scale application.
Works complied with the South Australian Heritage Council requirements and conservation best practices.

Outcome

The project was successfully delivered with exceptional attention to detail. The restored auditorium ceiling now showcases the theatre’s rich architectural character, with decorative mouldings and heritage tones highlighted under stage lighting.

The partnership with Kennett Builders and the collaborative approach with consultants ensured all works were delivered on time, within scope, and to heritage standards.

Key Project Highlights

✅ High-level decorative ceiling restoration
🏛️ Compliance with strict heritage conservation requirements
🤝 Successful collaboration with Kennett Builders and heritage consultants
🪜 Safe and efficient execution of works at height
✨ Final result enhanced the heritage character and longevity of the theatre

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