Meridian Opera House
Uncovering beauty
Restoring the 1889 opera house to its original beauty involved a group of nationally recognized experts. New York based, EverGreene Studios is responsible for the meticulous restoration of the theatre’s interior details.
Specializing in the conservation and restoration of architectural ornamentation in historic buildings, EverGreene has successfully completed hundreds of complex projects in the United States, including numerous National and State Register properties, National Historic Landmarks and locally designated landmarks.
Jeff Greene, founder and president of EverGreene Studios, is intimately involved in the restoration of the Grand Opera House.
“I’ve traveled the country uncovering and restoring historic treasures and I can say without hesitation, Meridian’s Grand Opera House is an exceptional case. A true gem, this theatre is a time capsule or treasure trove of sorts, beautifully displaying and documenting decorative experimentation that took place during the Victorian era,” Greene said.
“I fell in love with the Opera House from the moment I saw it. The number and types of wall coverings combined with the elaborate figurative papier-mache ornamentation is breathtaking. Restoring this theatre has been a career highlight and one of my most favorite projects in recent memory.”
EverGreene Studios is credited with reproducing over 30 original wallpapers including flocks, burlaps and lincrustra panels. Chris Mills of EverGreene Studios was instrumental in physically uncovering original layers and ensuring the historical accuracy of their reproductions.
Historic Wallpaper Specialties would like to give special thanks to Meridian paperhangers Joe and Wendell McCraw, Marva Hereford of Milton Kentucky and Frank Yates from Memphis for lending their professional skills toward what we believe to be the reproduction wallpaper installation of the century.
The following photos represent the installation of reproduction wallpaper from March 2006 until July 2006
