Bijou Cinema

In Ventnor, on the Isle of Wight, the Electric Palace was opened by Mrs Morgan Richards in 1911. It was a conversion of a toy shop. There were two shows each evening and three changes of programme each week. A limited number of unreserved seats were available at 3d and 4d, while seats priced at 6d, 9d and 1s could be reserved at Rose Cottage, next door.

At some time, probably after World War I, the name was changed, to the Bijou Cinema. It was listed under that name in the 1923 Kinematograph Year Book, and by then offered continuous performances, with just two changes of programme each week. At that time it was owned by J. A. Margerison.

In February 1926 the Bijou Cinema was damaged by fire, but it was repaired and open again by the July. At that time, it was owned by Arthur Phillips of Burts Brewery.

The Bijou Cinema was never wired for sound, and closed down in the early-1930’s.

After standing empty for a year or so, in 1935 the building was sold to the Isle of Wight Electric Light and Power Company who converted it into electricity showrooms.

By 1951 the building had become rather dilapidated. It was bought by Osborne Smith, who carried out extensive alterations to convert it into offices. A new frontage was constructed and all signs of the old cinema were lost.

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