Public Art in Central Christchurch

Mid Summer Night's Dream

Location: Theatre Royal, Gloucester Street Setting: Mounted into a ceiling dome above the stage and audience Owner / administrator: Theatre Royal Category: Mural Title: Mid Summer Night's Dream Primary artist(s): Ezra Briggs Execution date: c1908 Media: Paint on canvas

The ceiling mural Mid Summer Night's Dream depicts a scene from the Shakespearian play of the same title. This circular mural was painted by Ezra Briggs a set designer who had retired in Christchurch. Briggs was born in Ireland some time in the 1850s and spent many years travelling the world as a set designer. Before retiring in Christchurch , Briggs worked for the Williamson's Theatre Company.

The Williamson's Theatre Company had its headquarters in Melbourne and the company owned Theatres in Australia and New Zealand, including the Theatre Royal in Christchurch. When the Theatre Royal was built on Gloucester Street all the art and decorative work was undertaken by Sheppard. Sheppard in turn subcontracted out some of this work.

Briggs undertook the painting of the ceiling mural. The mural was painted onto canvas that was laid out flat on the ground. The canvas was later secured to the ceiling.

View Mid Summer Night's Dream PDF to Print