The Taranaki Sketchers

15 Aug 2015

The Famous Spiegeltent

At present "TheTaranaki International Arts Festival" is running from 13-30th August. One of the venues for shows is The Famous Spiegeltent, described in the advertising as one of the most beautiful venues in the world.

The most beautiful of the last remaining Belgian Spiegeltents, The Famous Spiegeltent, was built in 1920 by master craftsmen Oscar Mols Dom and Loius Goor. Since Marlene Dietrich sang Falling In Love Again on The Famous Spiegeltent stage in the 1930s, its magic mirrors have reflected thousands of images of artists, audiences and exotic gatherings.

Today I decided that as the Spiegeltent is so intricate and covered in detailed drawings I would only sketch a part of it and use watercolour pencils. That way I would have more control of my image. I was drawn to the reflection of the trees on Devon Street in the glass doors and the glimmer of some small mirrors that could be seen inside.

Here is my sketch:

And here are some photos:

The Famous Spiegeltent

The Famous Spiegeltent is in town. 'Spiegel' is the Dutch/Flemish word for mirror because they are lined with mirrors - the tent of mirrors. Emerging in Belgium in the early 20th century they acted as traveling dance-halls, pubs, and entertainment salons and now there are only a handful left in the world.

The staff kindly let us past the barrier to sketch this 1920 version here for the Taranaki Arts Festival, the band was warming up inside. Once you started drawing you discovered various risque pictures of a burlesque nature. This tent is built of 3000 pieces of wood, mirrors, canvas, and leaded glass then decorated in velvet and brocade, it takes 12 hours to assemble. Apparently Marlene Dietrich performed in this tent back in the 1930's. It can hold 300+ people, so looks slightly Tardis-like.

This one has been in New Plymouth several times before. When it was here in 2009 the barmaid approached us as we sketched the band, and asked if we would draw her.

I later completed it at home on my then-new Wacom tablet.

Len Lye building and the historic White Hart Hotel, New Plymouth .MLB

the amazing and Famous Spiegeltent at this years Taranaki International Arts Festival . MLB

The NPBHS Gates ... my years 1962-65.
Maurice Betts- Urban Sketch Aug 2015

9 Aug 2015

NPBHS

8 Aug 2015

Pridham Hall, New Plymouth Boy's High School.

Today was a dull, dark, rain, hail snowing on the mountain type of day. We sketched indoors at Pridham Hall, New Plymouth Boy's High School.

The school was established in 1882.
Pridham Hall combines the Elizabethan and Jacobean influences from palaces, mansions and collegiate buildings built in Britain.
Pridham Hall is a substantial example of the Edwardian Free Style in New Zealand and shows the continuing influence of British trends on New Zealand architecture well into the twentieth century.

It certainly was a challenge to draw for several reasons. there was so much to do, it was cold, there were no seats and the floor was hard to sit on, but we all persevered!

Here is my sketch:

And some Photos:

Looking out the window at the weather!

Look at all that detail!

Scott and Brian looking at the Honours Board.

Pridham Hall

The rain hosed down outside, but it was perfect peace within Pridham Hall, New Plymouth Boys' High School. The school kindly let us in on a Saturday afternoon.