Woodstock Streetscape with Capitol theatre

A video of the creation of a "Woodstock Streetscape with Capitol Theatre" a section of Dundas Street in the City of Woodstock. (Note to Self: My video creation and editing skills could use some improvement!)

The love and appreciation of built history started after a trip to France in 2007. As an avid walker, living in the Blackfriars Heritage District in downtown London, I started to take notice of the visually-interesting buildings right here at home. I have been documenting the rich tapestry of buildings in Southwestern Ontario ever since.

This first drawing was completed in 2012 and shows the gaping hole where a building used to sit. Today, 10 years later, it's still a gaping hole. 
A little research shows that 391 to 395 Dundas Street in Woodstock was home to Woodstock Opera House built in 1893. In 1908, it became part of the Griffin Amusement Company of Toronto. The Famous Players chain took over in 1927, renamed it the Capitol Theatre. It closed in 1999 due to the new Gallery Cinemas opening. The structure was demolished in 2010.

SS51 Dundas Street, Woodstock (ink on Stonehenge Paper) 6" x 9" ©2012

​After a little more research and I found some images of the Capitol Theatre, before it met the wrecking ball. I think this was the most beautiful building on this block. My final illustration captures todays streetscape with a black and white drawing of the demolished building, using a little imagination and guess work to complete the image. You will notice some history on the marque and you will also find "YOU DID NOT SAVE ME" strategically placed on the façade.

Woodstock Streetscape with Capitol Theatre (ink & watercolour) 5" x 21" ©2022

A modern living room with framed "Woodstock Streetscape with Capitol Theatre" on the wall.