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Picture House

2266

A 1921 cinema, intact inside and out and now often presenting a live show on its original (very small) stage, especially of music and stand-up variety and during the annual Arts Festival. The building is of great charm and is an interesting survivor of its period. The stone frontage (cleaned and restored in 1978) is in an unusually pure classical style in three bays, defined by channelled quoins, the centre bay recessed with a Doric portico in antis. In the outer bays are good original shop fronts. Only the disproportionately small windows over the shops dilute the effect.

The original paybox remains in perfect condition, but has been superseded by an internal box in the small main foyer. Dressing rooms and stage access are at the rear of the building which backs on to the canal. The building has been the subject of regular recent improvements: a general refurbishment in 1978, stage and dressing room upgrades in 1985, new sound system and a new electric roll-up wide screen in 1993 (to facilitate more live shows).

Built / Converted
1921
Dates of use
  • 1921 : continuing
Current state
Extant
Current use
Cinema (Cinema and occasional live shows)
Address
New Road, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England
Website-
Further details
Other names
-
Events
  • 1921 Use: continuing
  • 1921 Design/Construction:
    Unknown
    - Architect
  • 1921 Owner/Management: Thistle Holme Estate Co
  • 1944 Owner/Management: Star Cinemas Ltd
  • 1964 Owner/Management: Lloyd Brearley
  • 1971 Owner/Management: Hebden Bridge District Council
  • 1974 Owner/Management: Calderdale Metropolitan Council
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Later
    Description
    1948: 954
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    c.500
Listings
  • Listing
    Not listed
Stage type
-
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: -
Proscenium width: -
Height to grid: -
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -