John Frederick Wood (Bedford Cinemas Ltd/Bedford Cinemas (1928) Ltd.), was showing films here from 1908, which qualifies the Queen’s as his first cinema.
The Bedford Cinema in Walton, Liverpool (opened 1910) was his first purpose-built cinema (and his second cinema).
This must have confused one person who knew that Mr Wood had both cinemas, and he mistakenly said that the Bedford was opened in 1908.
The Woolton Picture House opened on 28 January 1928 with “seating accommodation for 860”. (source: The Bioscope).
A plan of the auditorium dated 3 January 1928 states “to seat 800 persons”.
Widnes Weekly News, June 1915. Empress Cinema Hall, General Manager Bob Hamilton. Last week open before closing down on 11 June 1915 for “extensive alterations”. “The coldest hall in Winter must be the coolest hall in Summer”. Grand reopening, August Bank Holiday Week. The floor will be raked, a balcony will be added, and a large stage fitted.
I’m not clear when Cheshire County Cinemas was formed (1922 has been said), but Robert Hamilton was there at the beginning. The original owner of the Empress was Alphonso Smith who had been the Managing Director of the Runcorn Palace. He built the Empress out of spite after falling out with the other directors.
David.
I’ve replied to this, but I can’t see it anymore.
Let me know if you saw it, because I’ve since found my handwritten notes, which I could email to you, if you’d like (too much to type out).
The Empress was indeed called The Empress Assembly Hall when it opened on Boxing Day, 1913, as a cinema with a flat floor which could also be used for other public functions.
“Special Programme of Star Pictures. Three performances a day at 2.30, 7 & 9. The Latest in Cinema: The Singing & Talking Pictures, direct from and as produced at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London. Prices: 2d, 4d & 6d.”
Philip.
A twin of the Kensington Picturedrome in Liverpool (see my avatar) which is two years older, and survives as Wetherspoons. Architects: Campbell & Fairhurst of Southport. It’s now one of only four surviving cinemas in the UK with original facades, which opened in 1910.
John Frederick Wood (Bedford Cinemas Ltd/Bedford Cinemas (1928) Ltd.), was showing films here from 1908, which qualifies the Queen’s as his first cinema. The Bedford Cinema in Walton, Liverpool (opened 1910) was his first purpose-built cinema (and his second cinema). This must have confused one person who knew that Mr Wood had both cinemas, and he mistakenly said that the Bedford was opened in 1908.
Philip Mayer
Photo: http://www.wiganworld.co.uk/album/photo.php?opt=4&id=25740&gallery=Gidlow+Lane&offset=0
1982 photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/44435674@N00/46226517302/in/dateposted/
The Baths have since been demolished with new Baths built on the site.
The Woolton Picture House opened on 28 January 1928 with “seating accommodation for 860”. (source: The Bioscope). A plan of the auditorium dated 3 January 1928 states “to seat 800 persons”.
David.
Widnes Weekly News, June 1915. Empress Cinema Hall, General Manager Bob Hamilton. Last week open before closing down on 11 June 1915 for “extensive alterations”. “The coldest hall in Winter must be the coolest hall in Summer”. Grand reopening, August Bank Holiday Week. The floor will be raked, a balcony will be added, and a large stage fitted.
I’m not clear when Cheshire County Cinemas was formed (1922 has been said), but Robert Hamilton was there at the beginning. The original owner of the Empress was Alphonso Smith who had been the Managing Director of the Runcorn Palace. He built the Empress out of spite after falling out with the other directors.
Regards from Philip.
David. I’ve replied to this, but I can’t see it anymore. Let me know if you saw it, because I’ve since found my handwritten notes, which I could email to you, if you’d like (too much to type out). The Empress was indeed called The Empress Assembly Hall when it opened on Boxing Day, 1913, as a cinema with a flat floor which could also be used for other public functions. “Special Programme of Star Pictures. Three performances a day at 2.30, 7 & 9. The Latest in Cinema: The Singing & Talking Pictures, direct from and as produced at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London. Prices: 2d, 4d & 6d.” Philip.
Just as well I wasn’t holding my breath waiting for your reply. 8 years?
This is the Scala Cinema in Lime Street, Liverpool.
Not to be confused with the Central Beach Cinema, on Central Promenade, which was opened in May 1913, and was renamed Trocadero, later Ritz.
Still unused in 2018.
Demolished in November 2017.
The tower and entrance will be kept.
A twin of the Kensington Picturedrome in Liverpool (see my avatar) which is two years older, and survives as Wetherspoons. Architects: Campbell & Fairhurst of Southport. It’s now one of only four surviving cinemas in the UK with original facades, which opened in 1910.
Hi, David. Yes, it seems very odd. Presumably, they had to be accompanied by an adult.
PS If anyone will tell me how to post photos, please tell me. I used to know.
1984 photo. https://www.flickr.com/photos/44435674@N00/226980037
2009 photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/44435674@N00/7127946711/in/photolist-bRSAdX-6WMQ6d-6WHPMv-6WHPJe-6WMPTo-6WMPVY-6WMPjU-6WMPww-6WMPzC-6WMP6j-6WMP1U-6WHP3H-6WMPaG-6WHP9X-6X8KeM-6WMPtS-6WHPt2-6WMPqJ-6WMPQ9-6WMPMf
Converted into residential, 2016-17.
Stevelaw. We have a similar council in Liverpool.
Campbell & Fairhurst were originally based in Southport before moving to Liverpool.
The Empire was a converted Victorian building.
Photo from Liverpool Record Office. Probably after it closed. https://www.flickr.com/photos/44435674@N00/2169867062/sizes/o/
“The building was demolished to make it safe.”
Amazing !!!
1986 photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/44435674@N00/2171813000/sizes/l