Gaumont Cinema Walsall

The fireplace burned real coal every day during spring summer & autumn months, right up to the demise of the theatre. It was the doorman’s duty first thing in the morning to clean out the ashes and re-lay the fire and to set it alight by 11am. The two windows on each side actually backed onto the adjacent building so did not allow light through. The stairs to the right led to the stalls seating area. There was a set of stairs opposite the fireplace (out of view in the photograph) which led up to the cafe restaurant and the circle seating area. Behind the position where the photographer is standing was the confectionary kiosk, paybox and manager’s office.