Here’s a quick plug for a talk that’s happening at Walsall Local History Centre in Walsall this coming Monday evening. I know the history of local cinemas is very warmly and fondly recalled hereabouts, so I think many readers will be interested in attending.
Please, if you pop along, do drop me a line to let me know how it went. the staff at The History Centre work very hard for Walsall’s history – from helping Genealogists, to writers, to amateur historians like me and anyone with the slightest question about local history.
My best wishes to all at Essex Street. happy new year!
The 1930s Art Deco ABC/Savoy/Cannon super cinema at Townend, top of Park Street, Walsall, taken in July 1994, shortly before its demolition, attached for your use. This was the last Walsall town centre cinema. Picture by Stuart Williams.
Public talk to turn the limelight on Black Country cinema history
Walsall Local History Centre is continuing its popular series of public talks this month, when their latest guest speaker will turn the limelight on cinema history in the Black Country, on 6 January 2014.
Noted local historian, cinema expert and author Ned Williams is all set to raise the curtain on the story of one of the most popular forms of entertainment, and its architecture, from the late 19th century to recent times, in his illustrated talk ‘Cinemas in the Black Country’.
As in most parts of the Black Country, Walsall was at one time full of cinemas, from the converted theatres to the flea pits to the magnificent Art Deco super cinemas of the 1930s and the multiplexes of the late 20th century.
And with the likelihood of cinemas returning to Walsall town centre in the next few years, there has never been a more exciting time to rediscover the story of this remarkably social art form in our area.
‘Cinemas in the Black Country’ will take place on Monday 6 January 2014, and doors open 7pm for 7.30pm-9.00pm.
Admission costs just £2.00 and advance booking is essential by telephoning 01922 721305.
Walsall Local History Centre is the archives service and local studies library for Walsall Metropolitan Borough and is part of Walsall Council.
Further information about Walsall Local History Centre may be found on the Centre’s website: www.walsall.gov.uk/localhistorycentre
Information about Ned Williams may be found on his website:
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Nice one. If i can get away from work early enough i will pop along.
Anyone with an interest in the Picture House (later known as Gaumont then Odeon) in Lower Bridge Street, Walsall, can find a history and pictures at http://www.beerwurlitzer.org.uk/walsall-picture-house.html
Walsall’s Picture House was home to the very first Wurlitzer cinema organ in the United Kingdom. It was also the first cinema in Walsall to show the ‘Talkies’ back in 1929.