Phoenix Picture House
7-9 Ellis Quay,
Dublin
7-9 Ellis Quay,
Dublin
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A remarkable find on a recent visit to Dublin is the former Phoenix Picture House, now the King and Queens Furniture store. The plain facade was largely hidden behind two trees and is not, in any case, very cinematic. Evidence of a long removed canopy exists.
Inside however the cinema retains much of its plasterwork on the ground floor. The attractive foyer, staircases to the balcony, strapwork on the rear stalls walls and pillars supporting the balcony all survive.
Best of all, a rare example of an open fretwork iron balcony front is intact and prettily painted. I guess the building must date from the 1920’s and such an open front would have been unusual - they were considered indecent as it allowed young men in the front stalls to see up ladies dresses!!
The screen end of the building has fared less well as it has been removed to allow access into a larger showroom behind.
There is a false floor at balcony level, immediately above the balcony front, and access above was not permitted.
Contributed by
Ian Grundy
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Recent comments (view all 4 comments)
Lost Memory;
The Phoenix Picturehouse, Oxford, England that you submitted is in the course of being added, with extra details submitted by myself.
Exterior in 2005 here:-
http://flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/340813917/
and detail of balcony front here:-
http://flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/340813914/
The Google Map location is wrong. The cinema was on the North Bank of the River Liffey, not as is apparently shown on the South. However the streetview does show a North Bank location, and it is somewhat closer to the correct location!
The Phoenix opened in 1912 and closed in 1958 and was reportedly the first purpose-built cinema in Dublin. Photos here: http://www.dublincity.ie/image/libraries/cin004-phoenix http://www.dublincity.ie/image/libraries/cin003-phoenix http://archiseek.com/2010/1912-phoenix-cinema-ellis-quay-dublin/