Winding Wheel

The Winding Wheel started life as the Picture House in 1923 became an Odeon in 1936, being operated by that company until 1981. Unusual in that it has a half-timbered front to the street. Shops at street level; 3 + 3 + 3 mullioned and transomed windows above, the centre bay with three gables, the middle one slightly advanced above a bay window. The auditorium is flat-floored for its present, predominantly concert use. The removal of the rake may have reduced the apparent height of the proscenium which looks rather oddly proportioned. Single, curved balcony with torch-motif ornament. Forward of balcony, the side walls are divided by elaborate, somewhat squat pilasters, supporting an arched ceiling divided into square panels. Square proscenium with heavy moulded frame in boldly contrasting, promiscuously enriched orders, the outer band being humped up in the centre to contain a figurative plaque with pipe-playing satyrs and dancing females. The ballroom has faux-Tudor plastering.