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Image Licensing : The Grosvenor NWC01_01_2845
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The Grosvenor NWC01_01_2845
Ace Cinema, Alexandra Avenue, Rayners Lane, Harrow, Greater London. The triple-bowed frontage of the Ace Cinema viewed from the south-west.
The Grosvenor Cinema opened in 1936. It was taken over by Odeon in 1937 and was known as the Gaumont Cinema between 1950 and 1964. After closing as a cinema in 1986, the building became a bar and nightclub, and later a religious venue. Interior and exterior features were retained during the different uses of the building, including the triple-bowed projecting front and the foyer. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England Archive
Media ID 24857810
Filename: NWC01_01_2845.jpg
Size: 3643 x 5546 (3.8MB)
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
1930s Architecture Art Deco Cinema Films Movie Theatre
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This print showcases the iconic Grosvenor Cinema, located on Alexandra Avenue in Rayners Lane, Harrow, Greater London. The image captures the cinema's remarkable triple-bowed frontage as viewed from the south-west. Originally opened in 1936, this architectural gem quickly became a beloved entertainment hub for moviegoers. In 1937, it was acquired by Odeon and subsequently known as the Gaumont Cinema between 1950 and 1964. Throughout its rich history, the building has witnessed various transformations while retaining its distinctive features both inside and out. After bidding farewell to its cinematic days in 1986, this cherished establishment underwent a fascinating evolution. It transformed into a vibrant bar and nightclub before later finding new purpose as a religious venue. Remarkably, throughout these different uses of the building, both its triple-bowed projecting front and grand foyer were preserved with utmost care. The photograph beautifully captures not only the stunning art deco architecture but also serves as a testament to how buildings can adapt over time without losing their original charm. Norman Walley's lens skillfully immortalizes this piece of history that continues to captivate all who gaze upon it. This extraordinary snapshot invites us to appreciate not just an architectural marvel but also pays homage to an era when cinemas held immense cultural significance within communities across Britain during the enchanting golden age of film-making in the 1930s.
