Seven exceptional Art Deco cinemas in the UK that evoke a nostalgic sense of grandeur and architectural excellence, a standard once usual in public structures, but apparently overlooked in recent times
In the heart of Britain, a collection of cinematic treasures from the past echo with the grandeur of a bygone era. These architectural gems, adorned with the distinctive visual and architectural features of Art Deco design, continue to captivate audiences and preserve a piece of history.
One such icon is the Regent Street Cinema in London, often referred to as 'the birthplace of British cinema.' Opened in 1848, it premiered the UK's first motion picture, a short film by the Lumiere Brothers, in February 1896. After decades of use as a lecture hall by The University of Westminster, it was rebuilt in the Art Deco style in 2016. Today, it stands as a beacon of art-house films, maintaining its historical significance while embracing the modern.
Another notable example is The Dominion Cinema in Edinburgh, designed by Thomas Bowhill Gibson in the Streamline Moderne Art Deco style. Its off-centre tower, adorned with a clock and signboard, and glass panels featuring sun-ray patterns and peacock motifs, are just a few of its striking features. Much of the original interior decoration survives, despite modifications such as splitting the auditorium into two screens in 1972 and adding a third in 1980.
The Northwick Cinema, located in a suburb with a superb Art Deco design, boasts interiors by artist John Alexander, including plaster figures and motifs. It retains its original architectural features and circulation design, and there are hopes it will find an owner committed to preserving its Art Deco heritage.
The Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool, primarily a theatre, was rebuilt in 1938 after a fire with exemplary Art Deco style. It retains outstanding acoustics and sightlines, featuring the largest revolve stage outside London’s West End. Currently, it is undergoing a restoration campaign supported by notable patrons like Dame Judi Dench.
In the quiet town of Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, the Rex Cinema stands as a testament to the era. Designed by David Evelyn Nye in 1936, it was reopened as a single-screen cinema in 2004, with much of the original 1938 decor restored. The interiors were styled on the era’s great ocean liners, featuring scallop wall lights, wave motifs, and a gold proscenium arch.
The Electric Palace in Harwich, one of the world's oldest and least-altered purpose-built cinemas, opened in 1911 and retains its original architecture, ornamental frontage, and silent screen. Similarly, the Stockport Plaza Super Cinema and Variety Theatre, opened in 1932, is a well-preserved and award-winning example of Art Deco cinema architecture. Both venues embody the era's elegant interiors and geometric shapes.
In London's Stepney, the Troxy was the largest cinema in England when it opened in 1933, seating 3,520 people. After a recent restoration, it has exposed the proscenium arch and uncovered an original 1930s decorative ceiling in the VIP bar. The interior included a revolving stage, jaunty turquoise and coral walls, a floor-to-ceiling mirror-lined restaurant, and a floodlit organ that played during intermissions.
As we delve into the world of Art Deco cinemas, it's clear that these venues are more than just places to watch films. They are cultural landmarks, each with a unique story to tell. The Strand Arts Centre in Belfast, for instance, remains as one of the last Art Deco picture houses built in Belfast, established in 1935. The Strand Arts Centre will undergo a £6.5 million redevelopment, with plans to restore the facade, entrance, foyer, and build additional communal spaces including a cafe and interactive 'living museum.'
These cinemas, though vast and accommodating thousands of visitors, offered an immersive experience with restaurants, box offices, powder rooms, and shops. They were more than just a place to watch a film; they were a destination, an event.
Art Deco design peaked between the 1910s and early 1930s, coinciding with the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema (1930-1960s). British entertainment architecture was heavily influenced by the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris, and adopted modern and streamlined exterior shapes, ornate plasterwork, and ornamental interior details from American Art Deco.
As we look back at these cinemas, we can't help but feel a sense of awe at their grandeur and the impact they've had on our culture. They are a testament to a time when cinema was not just a form of entertainment, but a cultural experience. Today, they continue to serve as reminders of our past, offering a glimpse into a world that was once filled with glamour, elegance, and the magic of the silver screen.
- The Regent Street Cinema in London, a beacon of art-house films and a historical landmark, is often referred to as 'the birthplace of British cinema,' featuring striking Art Deco design and architectural features.
- The Strand Arts Centre in Belfast, one of the last Art Deco picture houses built in Belfast, is set for £6.5 million redevelopment, aiming to restore its facade, entrance, foyer, and build additional communal spaces that will include a cafe and an interactive 'living museum,' preserving its unique cultural significance.
