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The Wincobank Picture Palace, Merton Lane


Guest tsavo

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Guest tsavo

Wincobank Picture Palace, Merton Lane. - http://www.picturesheffield.com/cgi-bin/zo...jpgh/s21397.jpg

The Wincobank Picture Palace opened in June 1914. Of brick construction, the frontage was of terracotta with stone facings. Steep steps led up to an entrance with a mosiac tiled floor. Seating capacity was 550. The projection room was at first floor level and housed a single Butcher's No.12 projector which was hand cranked. Unusually, electricity for lighting was provided by a gas engine, as mains electricity was not available until 1921.

Some alterations and improvements were made in 1919 which included redecoration, but it was to be some seven years before the Palace was closed for two weeks during which time a balcony was added and the pay-box was repositioned. Refurbishment and redecoration was also carried out at this time. The addition of the balcony increased the seating capacity by around 100.

By the mid 1920s, musical accompaniment was being provided by a trio of, a pianist, violinist and either a trumpeter or drummer. In 1930, a Western Electric sound system was installed for the changeover to talkies. The Palace was normally closed for the last week in July to allow for staff holidays at a time when business was slack due to the Sheffield 'works weeks' holidays.

In August 1953 the hall was closed for a week to allow for modernisation work. This included re-modeling the proscenium arch, improvements to lighting and ventilation, and the installation of a modern pay-box. The first film in CinemaScope, "The Robe" * was screened in March of 1955.

The Palace closed in February 1960 having seen it's sister theatre, the Tinsley Palace, close just 12 months earlier.

Review of The Robe from IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046247/

Info: Sheffield Cinemas.

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