COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Call it a glimpse of history in Coldwater. The latest combination maintenance-restoration project on the Tibbits Opera House has the theatre filled right now with scaffolding for ceiling repairs that create a sampling of the original decorative paint. A rare break in the performance schedule at the Tibbits is allowing the theater repairs mainly to the 40-foot high ceiling and dome. The scaffolding also has given the project crew a chance for additional exploration into the original color scheme and recreating a paint sample of what the theatre would have looked like in 1882.
For nearly 50 years audiences have seen pretty basic colors, cream or white across the entire ceiling with some gold painted accents and of course the red wall paper. The sample reveals a much more vibrant and rich color scheme and reflects the same elegance and detail of the Tibbits’ exterior.
According to Christine Delaney, Tibbits Executive Director, they’re creating a sliver of the past to help people visualize the potential and understand the ultimate goal of preserving and restoring the 133-year old theatre. The current project will be completed in time for the theatre’s next show, Parrots of the Caribbean, a week from tomorrow as part of Ice Fest weekend.
Tibbits received funding for the project from a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Additional funding came from Michigan Gas Utilities and supporters of the Tibbits Restoration.
