2021
A Bestiary of Buildings - Scottish Cinemas
October 2021
A Bestiary of Buildings: Scotland's Cinema and their Architects - From Egypt to Spain, via Govan Presented by Gordon Barr and Gary Painter
Featuring Scottish architects who went on to build or influence cinemas across the UK and beyond. From James McKissack to William R Glen, Albert V Gardner to Thomas Lamb, McNair & Elder to B Marcus Priteca: this talk told some of the stories of the role of Scotland’s specialist cinema architects both at home and abroad and how they turned Glasgow from second City of the Empire into the Empire’s premier Cinema City. After which the audience enjoyed the usual Open Chat session.Back to the West End Walk
September 2021
IN-PERSON EVENT A guided walk lead by Richard Gray met in Trafalgar Square and visited a number of nearby cinema sites and buildings, including internal visits to the Carlton Haymarket and the Odeon Leicester Square.Curves and Streamlines - the works of Frank E Bromige
September 2021
CURVES AND STREAMLINES - The Works of Frank E Bromige
Professor Bruce Peter of Glasgow School of Art gave a very well-received talk about one of the most eye-catching cinema architects of the 1930, Frank E Bromige. With recent events uncovering one of his best works,the Dominion in Harrow, it was the perfect time to reassess his career, his inspirations and his innovations. Attracting our largest global online audience yet for a UK cinema presentation.
Viewers also enjoyed a photo Kaleidsoscope of Bromige cinemas, and the pub chat feature rounded out the evening.
NB Bruce's original Bromige article which inspired this talk can be found in the 2000 edition of Picture House, available through the publications page of this website.
When Cinema Let In The Light
July 2021
When Cinema Let in the Light
Long-time CTA and Light Music Society member Martin Cleave presented an exploration of the employment of light music in cinema, using vintage recordings including the orchestras of the Commodore Hammersmith and the Troxy, Stepney. The programme also featured recordings of cinema organs played by Sidney Torch and Louis Mordish, amongst others.This programme of music excerpts was accompanied by photographs of the theatres within which they played.
Viewers also enjoyed a history of the popular channel Talking Pictures TV and heard the Compton organ at the Stockport Plaza being played. Following this, another cinema quiz and the pub chat feature rounded out the evening.CTA AGM 2021
June 2021
Owing to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the 2021 AGM was held online via ZoomThe Paramount Story
June 2021
THE PARAMOUNT STORY by RICHARD NORMAN
Zoom Talk number 8 's audience enjoyed Richard Norman's presentation about the cinema-building and other exhibition activities of Paramount Pictures in the UK.
After an exploration in photos of the seven lavish, large and luxurious Paramount Theatres built between 1930 and 1937, we enjoyed some vintage video (specially remastered) from John Fernee's collection with a commentary by the late Tony Moss. Information featured the organs of each theatre.
Attendees then enjoyed the regular cinema photos quiz (supplied this time by Elain Harwood) and an extended ‘pub chat’ open discussion.Cinema Magazine Programme Scottish Double Bill
May 2021
CINEMA MAGAZINE PROGRAMME SCOTTISH DOUBLE BILL
Zoom Talk number 7 was enjoyed by a Sold Out house.
This Double Bill edition featured CTA member Peter Kendrick who talked about the work and evolution of the Edinburgh Cine and Video Society, the oldest-established of its type in the UK, and participated in a Q&A.
Following this, CTA member and Cinema Museum co-founder Ronald Grant gave a highly-detailed and packed visual tour around Aberdeen’s cinemas and peppered this with his experiences there in the 1950s as a teenage projectionist; this presentation was also followed by a lively Q&A.
Attendees then enjoyed the regular cinema photos quiz (supplied by David Eve) and an extended ‘pub chat’ open discussion.Atmospheric Theatres
April 2021
Over 200 attendees enjoyed this special event to mark the CTA’s expansion into the digital world, a collaboration between the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation (LAHTF) and the CTA on the theme of Atmospheric Theatres. Many outstanding examples from around the world (including the four London Astorias) were discussed and illustrated. The presentation was followed by a packed and lively Q+A session from experts at the LAHTF and CTA.
This was followed by the ever-popular Pub Chat feature where members, friends and newcomers were able to chat and socialiseCinema Talk no 5
March 2021
ROBERT W PAUL ORIGINS OF THE BRITISH CINEMA BY PROFESSOR IAN CHRISTIE
Members and friends enjoyed number five in the CTA's series of ZOOM talks by Ian Christie, Professor of Film and Media History at Birkbeck University, London.
Robert W Paul not only made Britain’s first films, in partnership with Birt Acres but was also a pioneer exhibitor.
But why has he not been long celebrated as our equivalent to Edison or Lumière? Ian Christie offered some suggestions, based on research for his new book, Robert Paul and the Origins of British Cinema (Chicago, 2020).
After a lively Q&A session, attendees then enjoyed a Cinema Quiz and then a free-flowing opportunity to chat and talk about cinema-related matters.
Cinema Magazine Programme
February 2021
Members joined via ZOOM for a programme of different talks:
Egyptian-Themed Cinema Buildings (Part 2)
The Wonders of the Warner - American movie flagship cinemas in the UK during the 1930s.
Urban Explorers - A new breed of person with an interest in cinema buildings, and
Quiz of Cinema Exteriors in the UKAfter the Final Curtain 2 - by Zoom
January 2021
For members who were unable to attend the first sell-out talk ‘After the Final Curtain’ in London in February 2018, Matt agreed to join us from Boston, USA (via ZOOM) to grace us with a re-run, showing his excellent photographs, specializing in derelict movie theatres in the USA 2020
Christmas "Members' Own" Show
December 2020
Our first virtual Christmas Show invited members to submit their own short programme, consisting of:
The Spoof Rank Organisation GONG!, Egyptian Themed Cinema Buildings, The Wonders of Warner’s, Multiplex Miscellany, and the CTA Archive on Show A Passage to India in 2005
December 2020
For the first talk by ZOOM, Elain showed highlights of Mumbai (Bombay), Jodhpur, Delhi and Chandigarh from the CTA’s tour ‘A Passage to India’ organised by David Vinnels and Brent Skelly in 2005After The Final Curtain 2
February 2020
Members gathered to enjoy another collection of high quality photographic images and a revue of abandoned US Movie Palaces from Matt's recently published book of the same title.Members' Slide Show 2020
January 2020
Another get-together to socialise and enjoy short presentations by fellow members2019
A Christmas Celebration in the West End
December 2019
As a way of celebrating the CTA’s successful application for the listing of the Empire Haymarket, this year's Christmas gathering was held in their ground floor bar, with the opportunity to view the main auditorium during the eveningBBC – Bromley, Bellingham & Catford
November 2019
Kevin Gooding arranged a visit to the new Luxury Vue and restored Picturehouse in Bromley, the Bellingham Film Palace, and the Catford Mews Cinema. Visit report in Jan/Feb 2020 BulletinA Talks Double Bill
November 2019
Martin Cleave demonstrated the light orchestral music of the cinemagoing experience, and showed images of the cinemas it was performed in. Afterwards Philip Evison revealed Putney's role in cinema history. Best of Berks
October 2019
Ray Ritmeester lead a visit to the Empire Slough, one of our earliest multi-screen cinemas. Then on to Buzz bingo, formerly the Gala/Granada club which originally opened as the Adelphi way back in 1930. Then by public transport to Windsor for a tour of the Theatre Royal and the Screen cinema at the Old Court.A Chance to Vue
October 2019
Marion Kennett arranged a visit to the six-screen Vue cinema in Eltham High Street, which opened in April 2019. After a short walk along Eltham High Street there was a visit to the Bob Hope Theatre to hear of the recent improvements. Following a lunch break there was a chance to visit the former Odeon, now the church of Freedom Centre International.A Sunny Saturday in Surrey
September 2019
The plan to do another trip by ‘Routemaster’ bus was alas thwarted by logistical issues including venue access times, traffic and parking nightmares! The outcome was a day out to venues in Sutton, Rosehill & Wimbledon using public transport.Flicks in Fenland
July 2019
A busy day of coming and going included visits to venues new and old (some very old) in Kings Lynn and Wisbech, culminating with the fantasticEmpire in WisbechUp and Down Hill in Lincoln
June 2019
This three-day tour included visits to a wide range of venues in Lincoln, Newark, finishing with a visit and film show at the Kinema in the Woods, Woodhall Spa.AGM 2019 - London
June 2019
Around 100 members gathered for quick look around the recently refurbished and upgraded Odeon Leicester Square. They then adjourned to the Castle Cinema in Homerton for this year's AGM. Click here to see the Accounts presented at the meeting.East is Best - Part 2
March 2019
A return visit to East London, which is undergoing a revival, taking in the EartH (former Savoy/ABC/Konak/Ace ), the Close-Up Film Centre, Sclater St, the Electric Cinema, Shoreditch, and a couple of exteriors that still exist.Pavilion at 90 and CTA Wessex Launch
March 2019
The opportunity of a tour of the Regent Cinema/Theatre Christchurch, and attending the 90th birthday celebration of Bournemouth’s Pavilion was used to launch the CTA's new branch in WessexAn Evening of Short Illustrated Talks
March 2019
"So just who was this man ?" by David Vinnels, who tried to find out who was P Morton Shand, author of Modern Theatres and Cinemas; and "From Sidney to Sydney" by Gerald Glover who talked about his move from Granada Theatres (Sidney Bernstein) to Sydney (Australia)The CTA's Swedish Adventure
February 2019
David Trevor-Jones showed pictures of the amazing set of small rural cinemas – no fewer than twelve single screen ‘Bios’ – which the CTA party visited in Gotland in August 2018.New Screens for Old
February 2019
Kevin Gooding.led a visit to recently the opened Everyman Crystal Palace, the West Norwood Picturehouse, before finishing at the former Capitol Forest Hill, now operating as a JD Wetherspoons pub.2018
CTA Christmas party and slide show
December 2018
A packed house gathered to enjoy this year’s Christmas party which was combined with the annual Members’ Slide Show to produce a festive evening.Entertaining You with Cinema Designs
November 2018
On 17 November, there was a specially created Double Bill of illustrated talks concentrating on building schemes designed to appeal to cinema-going audiences that opened during the interwar boom years of cinema development. David Jones talked about "A Super-cinema opening near you, soon !" and Richard Norman explored "The Mysteries of Hyde Park !"Berkhamsted Double Bill
October 2018
On 16th October, Adam Unger arranged a visit to the grade II listed Rex Berkhamsted, followed by a chance to view the British Film Institute (BFI) Poster CollectionDouble Bill of Presentations
September 2018
On Saturday 29 September, a packed house gathered to enjoy 2 illustrated talks: Film making in North London (1895-1915) by Gerry Turvey and West End Theatres that sometimes showed films by David SmithScala Cinema King's Cross
September 2018
On Wednesday 26 September, Jane Giles, programme manager of the Scala from 1988-92, lead a tour for 10 lucky members, of the former box office, foyer, circle area and the roof !Manchester Apollo's Birthday Celebration
August 2018
On Wednesday 29 August, David Eve and Nick Taylor organised a day of visits in the North West culminating in a celebration the 80th birthday of this amazing old cinemaTo the Island: an exploration of Gotland
August 2018
For something completely different, Bjorn Alnebo and David Trevor-Jones arranged a visit to the eleven operating cinemas on Gotland, the largest of the Swedish islandsTo Hull and Back
July 2018
Organised by Margaret and David Williams, this year’s AGM was part of a visit to Hull, UK City of Culture 2017.East is Best
July 2018
On Wednesday 4 July, Ken Roe led an expedition to two Grade II and a Grade II* treats: the Shoreditch Town Hall, the Rio Cinema in Dalston, and tour of the Grade II* listed Hoxton Hall at 2:00pm, one of only two original music halls still surviving in LondonA Wander around North Warwickshire
June 2018
On Saturday 16 June, Peter Lea and Richard Norman took members to see Cinemas in Nuneaton, Chapel End, Bedworth, Hinckley, Ibstock and Coalville to celebrate the publication of Peter's book The Auditorium2: Cinemas of North West LeicestershireCatford and Eltham
May 2018
On Saturday 12 May, Ray Ritmeester arranged a tour of the Broadway Theatre, Catford and then a visit to the Mecca Bingo, former Odeon Eltham HillAfter The Final Curtain
February 2018
Members gathered to enjoy a collection of high quality photographic images and a revue of US Movie Palaces from Matt Lambros' recently published book of the same title.Members' Slide Show
January 2018
Another get-together to socialise and enjoy short presentations by fellow members2017
Brief Encounters on Film
November 2017
Richard Norman gave an illustrated talk showing cinema and theatre buildings that were used as location scenes in feature films.Double Bill of Illustrated Talks
October 2017
Members gathered to enjoy 2 talks: The History of the Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea by David Simpson, and The Phoenix Finchley and its Amazing Survival by Gerry TurveyDepot Cinema at Lewes
September 2017
Organised by Allen Eyles, a group gathered to see the new £8 million three-screen independent Depot cinema designed by Burrell Foley Fischer in a refreshing alternative to standard multiplex design, followed by a screening of "Reel Lewes", a professionally edited film of reminiscences on cinema-going in the town.Brixton Beauties
July 2017
Organised by Ken Roe, the second 50th Anniversary visit of the year that coincides day and date, members traveled to Brixton to visit the Odeon Astoria (as it was known as a cinema back in 1967), the Electric and the Ritzy Picturehouse. Everyone then returned to the Ritzy for a special showing of "Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner"South Wales Eastern Valleys Tour & AGM
May 2017
A tour that took in a variety of venues, including the AGM in Newbridge on the Saturday afternoon. Other visits included the Maxime Cinema, Blackwood, Market Hall Cinema, Brynmawr, Olympia, Tredegar, Workman's Hall, Blaenavon and others.North by North East
April 2017
Organised by David Eve, members enjoyed a four-day event to revisit some favourite Cinemas and Theatres in the beautiful North East and include new venues in the Scottish BordersAround Hackney Districts
April 2017
Organised by Ken Roe, members traveled to three districts in the east London Borough of Hackney, to visit the Castle Cinema, Homerton, the Rio Cinema, Dalston, and took a short walk to the district of Stoke Newington to view the exteriors of the former Savoy/ABC/Ace and the Apollo Picture House/Ambassador/Astra (now a mosque). Everyone then returned to the Rio Cinema for their ‘Classic Film Matinée’A Trip Down Memory Lane
March 2017
More 50th Anniversary celebrations: members and associate members gathered for a Slide Show and Social event to reflect a varied selection of our past national and international CTA visits and tours, from edited movies taken by members themselves. Anniversary Return to the Granada, Tooting
February 2017
To continue our 50th Anniversary celebrations, members and associate members visited the Granada Theatre, Tooting (now Gala Bingo & Grade I Listed) to mark the first ever CTA visit there, on Sunday 26 February 1967.
Prior to the visit to the Granada, Ken Roe led a short walking tour looking at the exteriors of the Odeon Balham (wine shop), Classic Tooting Bec (carpet store & nightclub), Mayfair (ABC) Tooting (Muslim community centre) and Electric Palace (Asian community hall).CTA 50th Anniversary Day
January 2017
Packed houses came together to celebrate fifty years of the Cinema Theatre Association on the anniversary of the inaugural meeting that was held at the National Film Theatre (now BFI Southbank) in 1967.
The afternoon showing of Sabotage (Hitchcock 1939) at BFI was sold out. In the evening, at the Regent Street Cinema, there was a double bill of Lumiere shorts (accompanied on the organ by Donald Mackenzie), extracts from some memorable short films about our cinema heritage. and the London première of The Final Reel (2016).
The celebrations were completed with toasts and a special cake.2016
London's Silent Cinemas
November 2016
Dr Christopher O’Rourke, who was instrumental in developing the website [www.londonssilentcinemas.com] gave a richly illustrated talk showing the development of these early buildings.Monday Morning at the London Palladium
November 2016
This was a repeat visit to the legendary London Palladium, led by Mark Fox, the Advertising Manager for the Really Useful Theatres Group and Chairman of the Frank Matcham Society.An Invitation from Her Majesty's
October 2016
This was a comprehensive tour of the historic venue in London’s Theatreland, led by Mark Fox, the Advertising Manager for the Really Useful Theatres Group and Chairman of the Frank Matcham Society.Bologna
September 2016
Organised by Richard Gray, a large group seized the opportunity to visit a variety of historic opera houses, theatres and cinemas in central Italy.A Day in Bath
August 2016
Organised by Mike Wood, this was a chance to revisit Bath, taking in the listed and sympathetically restored Forum, the replacement Odeon, the exterior remains of the Palace, the historic grade II* listed Theatre Royal, what was the Gemini/Robins now reconstructed as the egg, the Beau Nash now reopened as the Komedia and the nearby Little, also listed. Flicker Alley - Cinema in WW1
June 2016
The walk was conducted for the CTA by qualified tour guide Chris Everett. Members were guided through Cecil Court, (‘Flicker Alley’), Leicester Square, Wardour Street, Gerrard Street and Soho Square, and the relevant buildings with their background history were pointed out.Thursday Morning at the London Palladium
May 2016
Organised by Adam Ungar, this was an exclusive tour for the CTA of the world famous London Palladium in Argyll Street, London W1. Members' Slide Show
March 2016
Almost 50 members attended the 2016 Members’ Slide Show and Social Event to enjoy a collection of widely differing presentations. Members' Slide Show
January 2016
Almost 50 members attended the 2016 Members’ Slide Show and Social Event to enjoy a collection of widely differing presentations. 2015
From Margate to Madrid
November 2015
Two well-known members teamed up to bring two different illustrated talks. Adam Unger reviewed the works of architect Julian Leathart, and Richard Gray compared pictures of cinemas in Madrid taken in 1989 and 2014.Assorted Bournemouth Cinemas
October 2015
Organised by David Eve, this was a nostalgic return to the cinemas, theatres and entertainment buildings of beautiful Bournemouth and its surrounding areas. A timely ramble to a town that still retains (for the moment) its ABC, Odeon (former Regent)/Gaumont) and its original Odeon buildings, along with some delightful suburban architectural gems.WANDERING TO WINCHESTER
June 2015
Organised by David Trevor-Jones and Richard Norman, this first-time visit discovered the working and former buildings once used as cinemas and theatres, in Winchester, (Theatre Royal and Everyman), the Palace, Alton and Plaza, Romsey."My Little Cinema"
March 2015
CTA Members were privileged to be invited to a film show held in a member's private cinema, recreating the golden days of 'going to the pictures', complete with commissionaire and ice cream girl.Members' Slide Show
January 2015
Almost 50 members attended the 2015 Members’ Slide Show and Social Event to enjoy 10 widely differing presentations. 2014
Not for the Ritz
October 2014
Organised by Mike Wood, a packed itinerary took in the cinemas of Uckfield, Crowborough, and Tunbridge Wells, culminating in a top to toe tour of the Opera House. For a visit report see Bulletin Jan/Feb 2015Northern Ireland visit for CTA members
September 2014
A week for CTA members to visit the cinemas and theatres of Northern IrelandIslington Inspections
August 2014
Organised by Ken Roe, this was a chance to revisit cinemas in the Borough, from The Screen on the Green, and finishing with a visit inside the Carlton/ABC. For a visit report see Bulletin Jan/Feb 2015A weekend in Blackpool
July 2014
A CTA members weekend visit to BlackpoolVisit to Hammersmith Apollo (Gaumont Palace/Odeon)
July 2014
A weekday midday visitReels and Rails
June 2014
CTA visit June visit in Barnes and Hammersmith
June 2014
Members visit two locationsCTA Annual General Meeting
May 2014
Chelsea Cinema & Odeon Marble Arch
March 2014
Cinema visitMembers' Slide Show (January 2014)
January 2014
About 60 members gathered together at The Gallery for a varied selection of members' presentations.2013
Verity's Double (November 2013)
November 2013
Lecture about the Plaza and Carlton cinemas in central London, both designed by F T VerityThe North Yorkshire Weekender
September 2013
Saturday/Sunday, September 28th/29th. based in Scarborough The Malta Story
April 2013
Ian Meyrick, organiser of the 2011 CTA visit to Malta, hosted an illustrated reminiscence.From Windmill to Classic via Astoria - An illustrated talk by Laurie Marsh
March 2013
The talk, in the form of an interview, was well illustrated with photographs from his personal collection and the CTA archive.The Development of the Music Hall in London
February 2013
An audience of more than 50 members and guests were entertained by an interesting and amusing talk by John Earl about some of the London buildings that housed and shaped Music Hall performancesMembers' Slide & Social Event
January 2013
This was another chance for members to show their favourite images or give a presentation on a subject of their choice2012
A Screening of The Last Projectionist
December 2012
The film chosen is essentially a lament for the cinema projectionist whose job is disappearing with the advent of digital cinemaA Tale of Two Cities
November 2012
A slide show presentation on the CTA's visit to Germany in late spring 2011.A Midweek Alpine Jaunt
November 2012
The Odeon, Swiss Cottage and the nearby Hampstead Theatre were visited on this day out in north London.Starlite Drive-In Cinema
November 2012
There was no need to bring your car: This recreation of a programme from 50s drive-in cinemas took place at the Cinema Museum!Coming to a Screen Near You...
October 2012
This lecture, by Dr. Justin Smith drew upon his recent studies, to present a survey of film exhibition in today's multi-platform environment.Two Regals Revived...and Other Treats
August 2012
This late summer weekend away was based around visits to the two recently revived Regal cinemas in Evesham and Tenbury Wells.The Malta Story
May 2012
During this week-long visit, the cinemas and theatres on the beautiful islands of Malta and Gozo were explored2012
Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland
May 2012
Jan Leandro presented a fully illustrated talk about this iconic Margate landmark amusement park and cinema1930s Film Night
April 2012
Members were invited to step back into the 1930s as we recreated an evening of cinemagoing from that decade. Cinema to Alcohol
April 2012
Subtitled 'A Wetherspoon Wander', this afternoon event saw us visiting three of London's former cinemas which are now under the stewardship of pub chain JD Wetherspoon