~ The William Swain Photo Collection ~ |
Native San Franciscan William Swain has spent a great deal of time collecting, restoring, and retouching old photos of the Fox that he has gathered through the years. It is truly an amazing effort of love. We have included the black and white originals, as well as the retouched color versions.
Bill indicates that the pictures were "recomposed by taking various elements from several pictures each, using the best details, then painting and adding certain elements (furniture, lighting fixtures, rugs, etc.) to enhance the view." He also used recollections from his childhood, as well as from the 1960's, to apply proper colors.
Swain's association with the theatre began with several visits he and his sister made to the palace with their nanny in the 1930's. Later, his parents played golf with Paul Carson, one of the local radio organists (Bridge to Dreamland and One Man's Family). He often performed on the Fox mezzanine Moller organ during intermissions. Walt Roesner, the Musical Director for the theatre, was even an acquaintance of Swain's mother. Swain says his connection to the Fox and its organ engendered in him a fascination with pipe organs, especially the Fox Wurlitzer; this, in turn, led him to form an organ company in the 1950's.
We are happy that Bill has agreed to share his efforts with us!