About The Cinema Theatre Association

The Cinema Theatre Association was founded in 1967 by journalist Eric George, who wanted to draw attention to the magnificent "cinema theatre" movie palaces of the Twenties and Thirties that were beginning to disappear from our towns and cities.

Since then, the Association has widened its horizons to encompass all cinema and theatre buildings, from the humblest converted hall to the most modern multiplex.

Our many and varied activities include providing information, through our Casework sub-committee, on the historical importance of cinemas, especially when they are being considered for listing or when alterations to listed cinemas are being proposed. Our regional groups in Scotland and Wales perform similar functions in their countries. We also organise visits to cinemas and theatres around the UK and overseas and our extensive Archive is available for anyone researching the history of these fascinating buildings

We publish a quarterly Bulletin (bi-monthly prior to 2023) and, once a year, a full colour, high quality magazine, Picture House. We also publish books on cinema history, including the acclaimed series of definitive UK circuit histories by well-known author, and CTA Committee member, Allen Eyles.

We do hope you will join us.

This website has been made possible by generous legacies from CTA members Tom Ruben and Sheila Manning.