Rights Managed > Historic England > Architecture > Cinemas > Norman Walley Collection
Birkenhead Ritz NWC01_01_2445
Filename: NWC01_01_2445.jpg
Size: 5572 x 3668 (3.2MB)
Date: 29th April 2022
Source: Historic England
Credit: © Historic England Archive
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
Job Title: Photographer
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Birkenhead Ritz NWC01_01_2445
Top Rank Bingo Club, Claughton Road, Birkenhead, Wirral, Merseyside. The Top Rank Bingo Club viewed from the north-east.
The Ritz Cinema opened in 1937. It was damaged by bombing in the Second World War, and reopened in 1947 after renovation work. The original Compton organ was replaced by a Christie organ from the La Scala Cinema in Glasgow. The cinema was later renamed the Essoldo Cinema. It closed in 1969 and became a bingo club, which closed in 1997. The building was later demolished
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24857520
© Historic England Archive
1930s Architecture Art Deco Cinema Films Movies Picture Palace
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the grandeur of the Birkenhead Ritz, a beloved entertainment hub that once stood proudly on Claughton Road in Birkenhead, Wirral. The image showcases the Top Rank Bingo Club as seen from the north-east perspective, providing a glimpse into its glorious past. Originally opened in 1937 as the Ritz Cinema, this architectural gem faced adversity during World War II when it suffered damage from bombing raids. However, after undergoing extensive renovation work, it triumphantly reopened its doors to eager audiences in 1947. Notably, the Compton organ was replaced with a Christie organ sourced from Glasgow's La Scala Cinema. In later years, this cinematic treasure underwent a name change and became known as the Essoldo Cinema before ultimately closing down in 1969. It then transformed into a bustling bingo club until its closure in 1997. Sadly, due to changing times and circumstances, this iconic building met its fate and was eventually demolished. The print by Norman Walley immortalizes not only an architectural marvel but also an era filled with movie magic and communal joy. Its art deco design harkens back to the glamorous aesthetics of the 1930s while serving as a reminder of how our cultural landscape has evolved over time. This image is undoubtedly a testament to both history and nostalgia for those who cherished their experiences within these walls.
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