Cameo Gardens

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Uploaded on: October 28, 2019

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Facade of the Cameo Open Air Picture Gardens, 320 Cambridge Street Wembley, 1948 (Photo Courtesy Battye Library 007549).

Pictures, R. L. Rogerson,

From the memoirs of R. L. Rogerson… “The mid 1940’s and 50’s were a great age for the outdoor picture gardens in summer. With a canopy of stars for a roof and large poplars around the perimeter swaying gently in the evening breeze, we enjoyed the social exchange of seeing and greeting friends. Walking home afterwards, we had plenty of time to chat about the film and enjoy each other’s fellowship.

There were four picture gardens within walking distance from which to choose: The Empire in West Leederville, the Regal in Subiaco, the Wembley Picture Gardens a block from our home and the Cameo Gardens at Pangbourne St. The speakers were set in the screens so that, if you could find a peep hole in the fence or a perch in a tree out the front and see over the lattice baffles, you could enjoy the film without paying. I can’t say that I ever watched a whole film, but on occasions I’d perch for half an hour or so until I got cramped or bored, which ever came first.

Deck Chairs #

Deck chairs in the gardens were the standard mode of seating. These were usually in sets of four, so that if the seat was a bit low and we couldn’t see over the top of the people in front, the top board was simply slipped out and the canvas wrapped up a little to take the slack. People took rugs and cushions and could often be seen setting off for the picture gardens loaded with all sorts of gear. During Interval when the perimeter lights came on, masses of insects swarmed around the cones of light, adding to interest. The grass underfoot was soft and deadened the hubbub of audience chatter, and spilled ice creams and drinks were of no consequence – Acknowledgment source : Follow The Old Plank Road Local Studies@Cambridge Library – Bringing your local history to life - Contributed by Greg Lynch –