A NEW CINEMA AT OLDBURY
This new picture-house, designed by Mr. H. W. Way Lovegrove, at Oldbury, near Birmingham, possesses several features of unusual interest. The principal façade appears to be based upon the traditions of the Roman monumental arch, and there is no doubt that its plain rectangular outline provides a suitable framework to the dignified composition of the fenestration, which in this instance has been managed with quite unusual skill. It is a pleasure to encounter a cinema façade which is not utterly spoilt by a multiplicity of small apertures having no æsthetic relationship to the design as a whole, and introducing an effect of discord and fussiness. The reason for this apparent simplicity of the main façade is that the number of subsidiary apartments has here been reduced to a minimum. The plan is distinguished for
a commendable straightforwardness. Entering the hall one finds the pay-box immediately opposite, with doorways on either side leading to the auditorium, while two staircases are provided immediately to the right and left of the entrance. Thus there is no confusion, and visitors to the gallery make their way there without impeding the progress of those desirous of proceeding to the “parterre. ” Lavatories are provided on either side of the orchestra and also on balcony level, while all the arrangements for exit are admirable. The only criticism of the main façade which immediately occurs to one is that the exit doors on either side, though obviously necessary from the practical point of view, somewhat detract from the solidity of the corners of the building, and it does not seem easy to suggest a method whereby this THE PICTURE HOUSE, BIRMINGHAM STREET, OLDBURY.
H. W. Way Lovegrove, Architect.
[Photo: Lewis & Randall, Ltd.
This new picture-house, designed by Mr. H. W. Way Lovegrove, at Oldbury, near Birmingham, possesses several features of unusual interest. The principal façade appears to be based upon the traditions of the Roman monumental arch, and there is no doubt that its plain rectangular outline provides a suitable framework to the dignified composition of the fenestration, which in this instance has been managed with quite unusual skill. It is a pleasure to encounter a cinema façade which is not utterly spoilt by a multiplicity of small apertures having no æsthetic relationship to the design as a whole, and introducing an effect of discord and fussiness. The reason for this apparent simplicity of the main façade is that the number of subsidiary apartments has here been reduced to a minimum. The plan is distinguished for
a commendable straightforwardness. Entering the hall one finds the pay-box immediately opposite, with doorways on either side leading to the auditorium, while two staircases are provided immediately to the right and left of the entrance. Thus there is no confusion, and visitors to the gallery make their way there without impeding the progress of those desirous of proceeding to the “parterre. ” Lavatories are provided on either side of the orchestra and also on balcony level, while all the arrangements for exit are admirable. The only criticism of the main façade which immediately occurs to one is that the exit doors on either side, though obviously necessary from the practical point of view, somewhat detract from the solidity of the corners of the building, and it does not seem easy to suggest a method whereby this THE PICTURE HOUSE, BIRMINGHAM STREET, OLDBURY.
H. W. Way Lovegrove, Architect.
[Photo: Lewis & Randall, Ltd.