Rights Managed > Historic England > Architecture > Cinemas > Norman Walley Collection
Granada Theatre NWC01_01_2299
Filename: NWC01_01_2299.jpg
Size: 3643 x 5591 (5.4MB)
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
Granada Theatre NWC01_01_2299
GALA BINGO HALL, MITCHAM ROAD, TOOTING GRAVENEY, WANDSWORTH, GREATER LONDON. Three painted panels beneath a triple colonnade of arches above the balcony in the auditorium of the Gala Bingo Hall.
The Granada Theatre opened in 1931. It closed in 1973 and reopened in 1976 as the Granada Bingo Club, later the Gala Bingo Club. The Granada Theatre is considered to be the most lavishly decorated cinema interior in Britain. Painted panels in the auditorium depict medieval-style figures, including musicians, robed figures, and wimpled ladies. The exact date of this photograph is not known; the original storage case was labelled Tooting Granada March 2004 but the photographs in the case appeared to have been taken on different occassions. It is presumed that the photographs show the building when it was operated by Gala Bingo, since 1991
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24857234
© Historic England Archive
Auditorium Cinema Films Gothic Revival Interior Movie Theatre Movies Picture Palace
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the exquisite beauty of the Granada Theatre, now known as Gala Bingo Hall, located in Tooting Graveney, Wandsworth, Greater London. The image showcases three stunning painted panels beneath a triple colonnade of arches above the balcony in the auditorium. Originally opened in 1931 as a theatre, this architectural gem closed its doors in 1973 only to be reborn as Granada Bingo Club in 1976 and later renamed Gala Bingo Club. Renowned for its opulence and grandeur, the Granada Theatre is widely regarded as Britain's most lavishly decorated cinema interior. The photograph depicts medieval-style figures adorning the painted panels within the auditorium. These intricate designs feature musicians, robed figures, and wimpled ladies that transport viewers back to an era of elegance and sophistication. Although the exact date of this photograph remains unknown, it was found within a storage case labeled "Tooting Granada March 2004". However, it is evident that these images were taken on different occasions throughout history. Presumably captured during Gala Bingo's tenure since 1991 when they operated from this magnificent building; this print serves as a testament to both its historical significance and enduring allure. It encapsulates not just a bingo hall but also pays homage to Gothic Revival architecture while celebrating cinema culture with references to movie theaters and picture palaces. Photographer Norman Walley has skillfully immortalized this iconic venue through his lens for all
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