Edward D. Pinto, Sculptor, architectural restoration.

06/14/2026

I was in Chicago to see the band Devotchka, described as “Dark Cabaret” and originally formed as a backing band for burlesque performances. I listen to stuff like this all day at work. This is the first song, (which starts in those awesome opera boxes!), and the encore.
Hopefully FB will let it play

06/14/2026

Somehow, I neglected to shoot video of the entry hall/staircase/2 story atrium! I did shoot stills. The walls are completely paneled in marble and onyx, 27(?) varieties I think. The door and window casings were marble as well. The balustrade of the stair was pierced marble panels. I loved the ornate brass exit signs!

06/14/2026

One of the bedrooms at the Driehaus museum, Islamic motifs, Moorish arches, but no Moorish Fretwork, much to my dismay! I always love this style, and sometimes wish I could do a room in my house in it.

06/14/2026

This may have been my favorite room at the Driehaus museum. They had photos of how it was originally furnished, and there was a moose head above the mantle.

06/14/2026

I took a lot of stills at the Driehaus museum as well, but I couldn’t even guess what this was used for😆
Liars club anyone?

06/14/2026

06/14/2026

I shot some video in the Driehaus museum, despite it being disallowed, I’ve not had time to edit any of it, and tomorrow is Monday, so I’m just going to post it all day.
Prepare to be awesomed.
I’m not especially conversant in architectural styles, and there was significant overlap of styles, so I’m not even going to attempt, please feel free to chime in💜

06/14/2026

I absolutely LOVE old theaters, and Thalia hall is no exception. This is my first time here, but hopefully not my last, as I reeeeally want to sit in one of the opera boxes. I’ve never had the opportunity, and didn’t realize this time that they were just part of the general admission, and was quite happy with my front row center balcony seats.
Until I saw folks heading for the opera boxes…
These are especially whimsical. Lots of pressed tin, and ornamental plaster, in a variety of styles, some Moorish influences, yet with Corinthian capitals. They need some work, as does the entire theater.
The history I had read described the theatre as “restored” but it is far from that, unfortunately. There’s a lot of missing paint, and a lot of plaster damage, including what appears to be aluminum “peel and seal” duct wrap holding up the damaged plaster crown molding. The plaster is completely missing in the big main stairwell, just bare brick and stone, which a lot of people like, but just looks like missing plaster to me.
It’s a really amazing venue, and Devotchka were amazing as well!

06/13/2026

Seeing Devotchka tonight at Thalia Hall in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.
I can’t even go see a show without it being at some Richardson Romanesque fantasy 😆