Lost cinema posters offer glimpse into Yorkshire Dales’ past
Table of Contents
By Jack Hadaway-Weller and Fiona Callow
Yorkshire,Settle and Yorkshire
Rare cinema posters dating back to the 1920s have been discovered in a Yorkshire Dales town,offering a fascinating glimpse into the social life of the area almost a century ago.
The posters, advertising films shown at ‘The Picturedrome’ at Victoria Hall in Settle, were found during renovations to the building. Thay reveal a vibrant entertainment scene in the remote rural community.
The posters advertise a range of silent films, including “Knave of Hearts”, “The moon Child”, “Waiting at the Church”, “The Power of Right”, “Les Miserables” and “hands Up!”.
“It’s amazing to think these posters were put up to advertise films that people in Settle would have gone to see all those years ago,” said Jack Hadaway-weller, a local historian.
“Victoria Hall was the centre of the community, and the cinema was a hugely popular form of entertainment. These posters really bring that history to life.”
The posters are in remarkably good condition, having been protected by plastic jackets. They are now being carefully preserved and will eventually go on display at the Museum of North Craven Life in settle.
Fiona Callow, from the museum, said: “these posters are a marvelous addition to our collection. They tell us so much about the lives of people in Settle in the 1920s and the importance of cinema as a social and cultural hub.”
The discovery highlights the rich history hidden within the buildings of the Yorkshire Dales and the importance of preserving these treasures for future generations.
Lost films and star names: Historic cinema posters unearthed at Yorkshire music hall
One of the oldest music halls in the UK, Victoria Hall in Settle, North Yorkshire, opened its doors in 1853 but operated as the town’s cinema between 1919 and 1939.
Now, a collection of almost 60 historic cinema posters from that era have been discovered at the hall, offering a glimpse into the early days of filmgoing.
Josie Guthrie, from Settle Music Hall, explained that music halls were declining in popularity after World War One. “They were vanishing left, right and centre because music halls were not really what people wanted anymore, cinema was all anybody wanted.”
Twenty-nine of the posters are from 1920 when the hall operated as The Picturedrome and a further 36 date back to 1923 when it was known as the Kirkgate Kinema.
they advertise films such as the 1919 silent romance The Knave of Hearts and war tale The Power of right. just like today’s film promotions, the posters also leveraged star power, wiht names like James Knight and Alma Taylor frequently appearing alongside film titles.
Kirkgate Kinema: Preserving a Slice of Settle’s History Through Vintage Film Posters
Kirkgate Kinema in Settle, North Yorkshire, is taking steps to preserve its rich history, including a collection of vibrant, original film posters dating back decades.these posters,featuring films shown at the world’s oldest surviving music hall,are being digitally archived with plans for future reprints,offering a nostalgic glimpse into the cinema’s past and a connection to generations of filmgoers. https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24601999.settle-cinema-discovers-lost-collection-vintage-film-posters/
A Treasured Collection Rediscovered
Recently rediscovered, the collection includes red and blue posters showcasing the films screened at Kirkgate Kinema, with varying sizes reflecting the prominence of each movie.The posters also feature brief descriptions or taglines, offering a snapshot of how films were marketed to audiences in years past.The posters were found during renovations and have now been safely returned to the venue’s archive.
Kirkgate kinema: More Than Just a Cinema
Kirkgate Kinema isn’t just a place to watch movies; it’s a cultural landmark deeply woven into the fabric of Settle. Opened in 1912, the building originally served as a music hall before transitioning into a cinema. Its enduring appeal stems from its unique atmosphere and the strong sense of community it fosters.
“Everyone really gravitates to this place as somewhere special that they remember from their childhood, and somewhere we all want to pass along to the next generation,” explained Ms. guthrie,as reported by The Telegraph and Argus. https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24601999.settle-cinema-discovers-lost-collection-vintage-film-posters/
Digital Preservation and Future Reprints
The Kinema’s team recognizes the ancient importance of these posters. They are now undertaking the process of scanning them to create digital copies. this will not only preserve the posters for future generations but also allow for the possibility of reprinting them, offering a tangible connection to the cinema’s past for visitors and film enthusiasts.
“There’s some absolutely fantastic pieces of history in here,” Ms. Guthrie added.
Why Kirkgate Kinema Matters
Kirkgate Kinema’s continued operation is a testament to the power of community and the enduring appeal of the cinematic experience. In an era dominated by multiplexes and streaming services, the Kinema offers a unique and intimate alternative. Its preservation is vital not only for Settle but also as a reminder of the history of British cinema.
Key Takeaways:
* Kirkgate Kinema in Settle is the world’s oldest surviving music hall.
* A collection of vintage film posters has been rediscovered and is being digitally archived.
* The posters represent a valuable piece of the cinema’s history and the community’s collective memory.
* Plans are underway to reprint the posters, offering a tangible link to the past.
Listen: You can learn more about Kirkgate Kinema and its history by listening to a feature on the venue: https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24601999.settle-cinema-discovers-lost-collection-vintage-film-posters/
The preservation of these posters is a significant step in safeguarding Kirkgate Kinema’s legacy. As the cinema looks to the future, it remains committed to honoring its past and continuing to serve as a beloved cultural hub for the community of Settle and beyond.
Worth a look