Main photo from the ABC Cinema report

ABC Cinema

England · Cinema · March 2020

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Country
England
Type
Cinema
Published
March 2020
Contributor
UrbandonedTeam
Images
23 photographs
Videos
1

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History

ABC Cinema

It's been covered numerous times over the years so here is some brief history. The ABC is a grade two listed building designed by William R. Glen and Alfred Ernest Shennan for £200,000 and opened in 1931 as a Forum Cinema. The building has an impressive interior, noted as one of the architect's best, boasting Italian marble lining the walls of the foyer and second floor, the notorious 'sunburst' design on the lower floor ceiling as well as in chandelier form on the towering arched ceiling and a decorated proscenium. The building was renamed to ABC Cinema in 1971 and then split into three individual screens to show films more frequently. In 1986 it was renamed Cannon Cinema before closure in 1998. Sometime in 2016, the main hall was de-tripled showcasing the beautiful original design once more.

Hardly anything has changed from 1939, apart from recent signs of deterioration.

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A closer look at some of the seats, covered in dust.

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The newer projection room.

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Downstairs with the lights on.

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Looking back at the main hall from the stage.

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Foyer

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The Playtime Popcorn machine still had bare bits inside.

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A storage room in the basement full of old lenses.

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A few miscellaneous features on the upper floors.

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