Briffa, Emmanuel National Historic Person
Montréal, Quebec
Granada Theatre curtain by Briffa
© Parcs Canada | Parks Canada
Address :
1248 Bernard Street West, Montréal, Quebec
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
2007-06-08
Life Date:
1875 to 1955
Dates:
-
1920 to 1955
(Significant)
Other Name(s):
-
Emmanuel Briffa
(Designation Name)
Research Report Number:
2005-093
Importance:
Exceptional cinema decorator from the 1920s to 1955, he created sixty movie theatre interiors, from which three movie theatres designated of national historical significance
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: Outremont Theatre, 1248 Bernard Street West, Montréal, Quebec
A talented and prolific artist, Emmanuel Briffa designed the interiors of more than 60 cinemas across the country during a particularly dynamic period in Canadian movie theatre design. From the 1920s to 1955, he worked for major cinema chains, creating interior architecture, murals, and sculptural decoration in a wide variety of styles, including Neoclassical, Egyptian, Spanish, and Art Deco. Remarkable for its artistic quality, thematic range, and originality, his work includes examples of the best of Canada’s cinematic architectural heritage.