Kingsway Cinema

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Taken on: August 6, 2020

Uploaded on: March 11, 2024

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The alignments of the auditorium ceiling were attractive in that the centres of curvature of the main and proscenium ceilings, together with all lighting coves and decorative fibrous plaster mouldings, are located on the one horizontal line from end to end focusing towards the screen. Forward of the proscenium were a further three lighting coves set in front of the splay walls from dado to dado, alternating between each lighting cove that illuminated the proscenium were gilded grilles installed to mask the ventilating system and organ chambers for the Compton organ. Completing the auditorium lighting installation was a large central pendant fitting that enhanced a decorative scheme of stippled bronze highlighted in gold and silver by Roffe Decorations Ltd., with F. H. Pride responsible for all lighting fitments and the multi coloured illuminated console of the three rank Compton organ which was centrally situated upon a lift installed by Knight & Co., Ltd. The Compton organ was removed from the Kingsway just prior to its demolition in 1970 moving to Rochford hospital, eventually this too was to be demolished. Rescued by David Stanley and Gerald Usher who installed the Compton into the Red Brick Barn on the Tabor farm estate at Sutton, where the organ enjoyed many years of concerts. Sadly the organ was removed a few years ago and placed into storage on the estate, where it still resides awaiting refurbishment and installation into another loving home.

Ron Knee