John Eberson
John Eberson (* 1875 in Czernowitz, † 1954 in New York City ) was a primarily active in the United States architect who designed especially large cinemas with illusionistic interior design. The jointly with his son Drew Eberson (1904-1989) founded and from continuing company to around 1,200 cinema halls have designed.
Life
Eberson attended high school in Dresden and studied electrical engineering at the Technical University in Vienna. In 1901 he emigrated to the United States. His first employer was the Johnston Realty and Construction Company in St. Louis ( Missouri). Eberson made in 1904 independently and moved his company to Chicago in 1910. Eberson specialized in the design of theaters, first in the classical style and model of theater halls. As a first example of its innovative " atmospheric " design applies the Orpheum in Wichita. His big breakthrough was the conversion of the Hoblitzelle Majestic Cinemas in Houston (1923 ) Eberson here created a deep blue, electrically illuminated " starry sky " with projected cloud formations. The stage-like side walls simulated a Mediterranean patio or small square. This type of cinema was very popular in the 1920s, and Eberson settled with his office in 1926 settled in New York City.
Eberson was famous for its rich and illusionist movie palaces decorated with Renaissance, Moorish or other exotic ambience. However, most of his movies no longer exist - some resulting film theaters are listed buildings.