Skip to main content

Winding Wheel

2738

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.

Built / Converted
1923
Dates of use
  • 1923 - 1981: Cinema
  • 1987 : Music and function venue, continuing
Current state
Extant
Current use
Music venue
Address
13 Holywell Street, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 7SA, England
Further details
Other names
Picture House , Odeon
Events
  • 1923 Design/Construction:
    attrib. H J Sheppard (Sheffield)
    - Architect
  • 1923 - 1981 Use: Cinema
  • 1930 Alteration: ballroom block
    Unknown
    - Architect
  • 1987 Owner/Management: Chesterfield Borough Council, owner and manager, continuing
  • 1987 Use: Music and function venue, continuing
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    1000
Listings
  • Listing
    II
Stage type
Proscenium
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: Depth: 4.6m
Proscenium width: 7.6m
Height to grid: -
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -