Torbay Cinema, Paignton, Devon. Feb 2011
A hotel on the site was demolished to make way for the cinema. The precise date at which it opened is unclear, in spite of a remarkable archive of documentation in the hands of the present owners. A request for a licence is said to have been made to the Local Authority as early as 1907.
The Paignton Picture House Co. who ran the cinema (previously known as the Paignton Electric Picture Palace) and a film library, renting out film to other organisations, was incorporated on 15 April 1913.
Re-named to 'Torbay Cinema' in 1968. This beautiful art deco cinema has unfortunately been closed since 26th September 1999 but many people have very fond and happy memories of being there.
Many famous people have graced it's steps over the years including Agatha Christie, who would always sit in seat 2 row 2 in the circle and also wrote about the cinema in her books, Peter Cook, and it is believed that Edward and Mrs. Simpson had also visited there.
This is one of the oldest purpose built cinema left in Europe and there are many ways that it can still continue to work as a successful business and more importantly a cinema.
Visited with Urbanity, Lucy & Laura, with thanks to South Devon Steam Railway, for allowing us access.
The front, which has seen better days:
Main Auditorium:
The stunning curved entrance doors, now hidden behind a hoarding:
First floor Landing:
Original, but re-upholstered seating. The more expensive seats at the back had better quality fabric!
Original Foyer Signage:
The Projection Room:
Still intact, and in prestine condition, are two 35mm projectors, one is a Westrex 7000, the other being a Westar 2001, with a Westrex tower, along with a Debbrie 16mm long runner projector.
Not sure what this was, either a training device, or a homemade winder!
The ‘Film’ room:
Thanks for looking, comments always welcome.
I have put this in Non-public because it really is too good to get destroyed.
A hotel on the site was demolished to make way for the cinema. The precise date at which it opened is unclear, in spite of a remarkable archive of documentation in the hands of the present owners. A request for a licence is said to have been made to the Local Authority as early as 1907.
The Paignton Picture House Co. who ran the cinema (previously known as the Paignton Electric Picture Palace) and a film library, renting out film to other organisations, was incorporated on 15 April 1913.
Re-named to 'Torbay Cinema' in 1968. This beautiful art deco cinema has unfortunately been closed since 26th September 1999 but many people have very fond and happy memories of being there.
Many famous people have graced it's steps over the years including Agatha Christie, who would always sit in seat 2 row 2 in the circle and also wrote about the cinema in her books, Peter Cook, and it is believed that Edward and Mrs. Simpson had also visited there.
This is one of the oldest purpose built cinema left in Europe and there are many ways that it can still continue to work as a successful business and more importantly a cinema.
Visited with Urbanity, Lucy & Laura, with thanks to South Devon Steam Railway, for allowing us access.
The front, which has seen better days:
Main Auditorium:
The stunning curved entrance doors, now hidden behind a hoarding:
First floor Landing:
Original, but re-upholstered seating. The more expensive seats at the back had better quality fabric!
Original Foyer Signage:
The Projection Room:
Still intact, and in prestine condition, are two 35mm projectors, one is a Westrex 7000, the other being a Westar 2001, with a Westrex tower, along with a Debbrie 16mm long runner projector.
Not sure what this was, either a training device, or a homemade winder!
The ‘Film’ room:
Thanks for looking, comments always welcome.
I have put this in Non-public because it really is too good to get destroyed.
