Originally known as The Paddington Antique Centre and housed in the spectacular heritage-listed Plaza Theatre on Latrobe Street, the business opened in May 1985 with a small group of independent traders and today has more than 60 antique dealers, artisan makers, jewellers, designers, stylists and treasure-hunters operating from the vintage theatre that was built in 1929.
Owner Suzy Baines took over the business in 2008 and rebranded it to Empire Revival in 2018. She says, “We’re proudly local and deeply collaborative. Every visit feels a bit different.” From antique furniture and Art Deco jewellery to vintage fashion, bespoke tiles and a huge selection of second-hand books, there’s plenty to see at this bustling centre, including the rotating exhibitions at the Loft Gallery.
So where will Empire Revival be opening next? Well, in keeping with the current Brisbane venue of an old theatre, the business will be expanding into the Great Hall of the Art Deco Regent Theatre in the charming New South Wales town of Murwillumbah. “It’s a beautiful, heritage-listed space that has been thoughtfully renovated,” says Suzy. Empire Revival will be joining a whole host of creative businesses in the town’s Arts Precinct. Opening dates have yet to be confirmed.
