Empire Revival

Paddington

The original granddaddy of antique emporiums in Brisbane, the Empire Revival (formerly the Paddington Antique Centre) had been operating from under the blue starry ceiling of the old Plaza Theatre since 1985.

The threadbare velvet curtains, faded stage valance and Juliet balconies are the perfect accessories to the extensive cache of memorabilia, toys, furniture, rugs, jewellery, clocks, furniture, weapons, musical instruments, art, lamps that are crammed into the 1929 built picture palace.

Vintage clothing aficionados will find plenty to sift through here, too, with almost an entire ‘vintage row’ of clothing from the 1920s to the 1980s at the far side of the theatre as well as a kind of glamour parlour of maxies, middies and formal gowns in the foyer.

More than fifty dealers operate from the premises which regularly hosts exhibitions in the foyer. And while there, be sure to head to the far corner to the left of the stage to discover The Cupboard Under The Stage, a treasure trove for book-lovers.