Explore my cinema illustrations series, mostly independent venues
and interesting architectural gems that have been converted into movie theatres…
This single-screen cinema in East Finchley is said to be London’s oldest continuously-open cinema. It first opened its doors in 1912. Since 1985 it has been run as a charitable trust.
This single-screen cinema in East Finchley is said to be London’s oldest continuously-open cinema. It first opened its doors in 1912. Since 1985 it has been run as a charitable trust. The Phoenix shows a mix of independent and foreign films, it's auditorium is prized as one of the most beautiful places to watch a film in London.
The last remaining Newsreel theatre to be in full-time operation in the UK, it is a Grade II-listed building. Alongside its core programme of feature titles it holds daily free screenings of archive newsreel footage.
The city’s only full-time independent cultural cinema, specialising in the screening of independent and world cinema from across the globe. The last remaining Newsreel theatre to be in full-time operation in the UK, it is a Grade II-listed building. Alongside its core programme of feature titles it holds daily free screenings of archive newsreel footage.
Designed in an art deco style by noted Bristol based cinema architect William Henry Watkins, WTW Cinemas restored and reopened The Plaza on 10th July 1998.
Designed in an art deco style by noted Bristol based cinema architect William Henry Watkins, The Plaza opened in February 1936. The proscenium was 34 feet wide, with 3 dressing rooms, café and a ballroom above the entrance foyer. WTW Cinemas restored and reopened The Plaza on 10th July 1998.
This legendary cinema opened as the Kingsland Empire in 1915. The venue was given a makeover and reopened as the Classic in 1937 – very similar to how it looks today. It became the Rio in 1976.
This legendary cinema opened as the Kingsland Empire in 1915. The venue was given a makeover and reopened as the Classic in 1937 – very similar to how it looks today. It became the Rio in 1976. It has a grand two-tiered art deco auditorium showing mostly independent and foreign films.
This two-screen independent venue in a former Salvation Army Hall opened its doors in spring 2014.
This two-screen independent venue in a former Salvation Army Hall opened its doors in spring 2014 and quickly became a favourite with locals from Crouch End and the surrounding area. The ArtHouse prides itself on being not just a cinema but also a venue offering music, comedy and theatre.
One of London’s friendliest cinemas, the Lexi is run mostly by enthusiastic local volunteers, with every penny of profits going to charity.
One of London’s friendliest cinemas, the Lexi is run mostly by enthusiastic local volunteers, with every penny of profits going to charity. The chairs are comfy, the sound system is great and the bar is cosy.
More cinema illustrations on the way!
Follow the #paperdiorama or #cinemas tag on the blog for more illustrations like these.
I’m always keen to hear suggestions… what cinemas would you include?
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