I spend far more time (and money) than I should in the huge, Victory Theatre Antiques Centre in Govett’s Leap Road, Blackheath.
Back in the day it was the local movie house, then called The Arcadia Picture Palace. The name changed to The Victory following WWII.
VICTORY THEATRE CLOSED FOR ALTERATIONS
Blue Mountains Theatres announce that, as from Monday, 28th June, the Victory Theatre Blackheath will be closed to undergo extensive alterations. The alterations will include everything to bring the Victory Theatre up to the standard of the most modern and comfortable theatres in the State…. The Advertiser understands that residents of Blackheath really have something to look forward to in the re-opening of the new Victory Theatre. (Blue Mountains Advertiser, June 24 1954)
Sadly, tastes changed with the advent of television and the last movie was screened on May 21 1960. In the late 1970s the building became home to a secondhand goods business, which evolved to the present, vibrant centre.
There is a vintage fashion section upstairs. Now I’m not a real fan, but this 1960s clutch bag has accompanied me to many functions. Just large enough for my phone, a pen, and a notebook. What more could an author ask?
One of my favourite enamel pillboxes was found at the Victory. Oh yes, and a French cabinet with a light inside, to display my huge collection.
Across the street is what must be the fullest shop in the world. I found a delightful vase here in the outside oddments bin…a snip at $7.
OH YES….EVEN MORE ANTIQUES!
Just over the rail line in Station Street is a charity shop…well almost too grand for that description really. Unfortunately the shiny red shoes didn’t fit me. I bought my husband Rob’s Christmas gifts in this shop last year. Guess what? His favourite was a tree bauble they gave me free of charge.
There are antique shops all over the Blue Mountains, but I think Blackheath now has the edge over the rest of the villages. Mind you, I am entirely prejudiced! Feel free to disagree in the comments section below.
FOR THE FULL HISTORY OF THE VICTORY ANTIQUES CENTRE, CLICK HERE.
Wow! Looks like you could spend a month in there. I don’t buy things like that any more, but I used to love looking for bargains and simply looking at so many things from the past. Wish you weren’t so far away.
We are building a new house, so I have an excuse to buy things, even though my Rob may not agree.
Great excuse to do something you love! đŸ™‚