One of Queanbeyan Museum's most significant collection items, now approaching 100 years old, is a 1920s cinema curtain from The Triumph picture theatre and forms part of the story of the development of moving picture theatres and Queanbeyan's entrepreneurs and reflects the businesses in the town at that time.

It is made of hemp and is hand painted with advertisements for local businesses.

It has a few holes but is in very good condition, considering its age.

The curtain is too large and delicate for display at the museum but it was hung at the Q in 2013 for Queanbeyan's 175th anniversary.

It was donated by Charles Hawes. The Triumph began life as an open air stadium in the paddock by the Hawes family home in Crawford Street. In 1913 the pictures moved indoors when William Freebody opened Queanbeyan's first picture theatre building. The weatherboard TRIUMPH PICTURE HALL AND SKATING RINK ran films and skating three days a week each.

In fact there have been a number of cinemas in Queanbeyean, the last being the Nova above what is now the Riverside Plaza.

- John McGlynn

qbnmuseum@yahoo.com.au

Ph: 62972730

The Queanbeyan Museum is open from 1 to 4pm each Saturday and Sunday.