Regent Cinema

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Uploaded on: October 19, 2023

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Bristol Architect William Henry Watkins built the Regent cinema Bristol for (PCT) Provincial Cinematograph Theatre which was the first super cinema that Watkins built with 2,100 seats and 300 standing. It was designed by Percy Bartlett the first designer to be employed by Watkins, it was opened on 30th July 1928 by the Lord Mayor of Bristol with the silent film “The Magic Flame” starring Ronald Colman supported by orchestra and Wurlitzer organ played by Frank Matthew. The Regent was to be the first of five cinemas Bartlett designed for the Watkins practice. PCT was taken over the following year 1929 by Gaumont-British acquiring the Bristol Regent, they awarded Wilkins a further four Gaumont Palaces to be built, which Watkins gave the overall design and control to Bartlett. They were the Gaumont Palaces, Exeter May 1931, Barnstable August 1931, Coventry October 1931 and Plymouth November 1931. Percy Bartlett left the Watkins practice in early 1932 and joined Boots based in Nottingham, eventually becoming their chief architect.

Ron Knee