Century Cinema
1 Beresford Square,
London,
SE18 6BB
1 Beresford Square,
London,
SE18 6BB
No one has favorited this theater yet
Showing 7 comments
Information taken from The Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association of Great Britain and Ireland Annual summer conference 1931 program.“H. P. SELWYN. One of the Pioneers of the Industry was responsible for exhibiting films at the old Surrey Theatre in London, in 1901. Vice-Chairman of the London and Home Counties Branch, and Delegate to the General Council. Sole Proprietor of the Empire, Greenwich ; Hippodrome, Greenwich ; Cinema, Woolwich ; Premier, Woolwich. A Liveryman of the City of London.” http://docplayer.net/11607830-The-cinematograph-exhibitors-association-of-great-britain-and-ireland-registered-no-1622t.html
PS…H.P.Selwyn owned a number of cinemas in and around the Woolwich and Greenwich area, and I believe the sign mentioned would have been displayed at each of the halls that were part of this small circuit.
Just a couple of corrections to this listing – it was NEVER called the Arsenal Cinema as is stated, its name from opening until it was renamed the Century was simply the CINEMA and, although it did get referred to in trade press reports etc as the Arsenal Cinema (and, in fact, that was the name of the original operating company), the term was strictly generic by virtue of the fact it was opposite the entrance to the Woolwich Arsenal…it never operated under that name. Secondly, it NEVER became a bingo hall…this information has presumably been copied from the error that appeared in the GRANADA THEATRES book which states the same. Granada initially used the name “Century Bingo Club” for its bingo operations, regardless of whether the “host” building had actually been a Granada or a Century, and at Woolwich “Century Bingo” sessions were advertised to start AT THE GRANADA Woolwich in August 1961, but were then postponed until December. The Century never ran bingo sessions as stated – it remained empty from closure until demolition in late 1968.
Thanks for the information Ken.I think you’re probably right & there was no Selwyn “chain”.I don’t remember seeing the name on several of the other independant cinemas in the area,including that odd little place on Plumstead Common(if you know the area)I think called the"Savoy".
nouvelle vague; From at least 1944 through to the sale to Granada Theatres in November 1952, the Cinema was operated by and owned by H.P. Selwyn and he booked the films at the hall. I have not heard of a Selwyn Circuit, so this was probably the only cinema he owned, but there ‘may’ have been one or two more, judging by the wording you saw on the side of the building. Or the wording could just have been a self promotion on his own behalf.
I remember this cinema well.As regards the chain it may have been part of prior to Granada,I recall on the side of the building it was advertised as “A Selwyn Cinema” in the late 1940s & early1950s.I recall reading this many times as a schoolboy as I queued for a bus to take me home to nearby Plumstead.
Maybe others can confirm if “Selwyn"is known as a cinema chain at that time.At onetime in the late 50s there were 4 cinemas in Woolwich…"The Century”,“The Regal”,“The Odeon” & “The Granada”.Now as far as I’m aware there are none although the last 3 still stand but are used for other purposes.I expect & hope the last 2 have presevation orders on them for they are remarkable pieces of architecture.
ny info or photos anyone.