Savoy Cinema Coventry

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Uploaded on: December 22, 2025

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Opening on Saturday 2nd July 1938 the Coventry Savoy cinema was designed by Architect T. D. Griffiths & Hendy and constructed by Coventry Builders Philpot Brothers Ltd., who owned a small circuit of cinemas, most notably the Rex cinema, which was totally destroyed during WW2. The above photograph is a splendid example of their other important cinema which did suffer bomb damage but was restored. This Art Deco interior gives a glimpse of the surroundings one had during the height of 1938.The fibrous wall decorative detail was carried out by Wilson & Son Ltd of Mansfield and London. Marb-L-Cote was used to cover the surface and then applied with a lacquer finish in gold and silver. The splay walls large decorative grilles concealed the Wurlitzer organ chambers either side and were finished in gold and illuminated from within horizontal ribbed silver enclosures at the base. Seen centre stage in its raised position is the Wurlitzer console. Behind are sets of satin curtains, covering the screen lowered are silver festoons, in front of proscenium opened they are of heavy gold satin. For many years the stage was also used for various productions. Main auditorium lighting was provided by eight decorative ceiling pendant fittings in addition the horizontal ribbing running from the top of each organ grille was lit from a concealed ceiling trough. The five coloured Art Deco designed gangway carpet supplied and fitted by Anslows of Coventry, a small section of which can be seen, bottom left corner, by gangway first seat in back row. The Savoy had a total of 1850 tub seats with padded arms finished in light green moquette, which were manufactured and fitted by W. W. Turner Ltd. Birmingham.

Ron Knee