Elms Lester Painting Rooms

The Elms Lester Painting Rooms, built between 1903 and 1904 for Messrs W & J Elms Lester, are a notable example of a theatrical scenery painting workshop. The building is constructed of English bond yellow brick with a facade of red brick, featuring a top-lit lantern that projects above the first floor, made of glazed white brick.

The exterior showcases a two-storey pedimented facade with the inscription "ELMS LESTERS PAINTING ROOMS & STORES" on the tympanum of the inner pediment, which is supported by a row of colonnettes resting on the cornice of the main pediment. This cornice is interrupted by full-height loading doors on the right and a tall window with glazing bars on the left, situated above a segmental-arched two-light window with glazing bars. The facade of the lantern storey includes a moulded stone lintel above a two-light transomed window. The right-side wall features a two-storey, three-window range with concrete lintels over two-light transomed windows, and a loft door above double doors at the front. To the rear of this range, there is a lean-to porch with eight-panelled double doors attached to a large three-storey canted bay with plate-glass sashes.

Inside, the center of the building is dedicated to painting frames, illuminated by the projecting lantern which has a cast-iron framework for the glazing. The first-floor painting area, supported by a steel frame, provides access to four painting frames measuring 50 feet by 30 feet, which run along the outer side walls and both sides of the inner dividing screen wall. Each cast-iron frame can be raised or lowered using electric winches. The painting rooms are equipped with sinks and studio stoves, surrounded by studios and accommodation for artists. The large entrance lobby features a hoist and trap doors, facilitating the exit of completed backcloths from the painting rooms through the full-height doors in the facade.

Historically, this building represents an important and complete survival of a theatrical scene-painting workshop.