Hyde Park Picture House
Opening her doors on November 7 1914, as Britain was teetering on the brink of World War 1, Hyde Park Picture House rolled up her sleeves and got stuck in to the war effort by screening patriotic dramas and epic adventures to distract from the realities of war, and newsreels to relay vital information to the ‘folk back home’.
Fast forward over 100 years, having survived the advent of ‘talkies’ and radio in the 1920s, the arrival of city centre ‘super cinemas’ in the 1930s – another world war – TV in the 1950s, video in the 1980s, multiplex’s in the 1990s and DVDs and the internet in the 2000s, the friendly, local, independent cinema, described in 1914 by the Yorkshire Evening Post as ‘the cosiest in Leeds’, is still getting stuck in.
Supported by a loyal, and ever-growing fan-base of staff, volunteers, members, partners and friends – including the odd Hollywood A-lister – The Picture House has developed a film programme dedicated to screening independent, documentary and classic films from around the globe, as well as offering support to local filmmakers and the community.
But every now and again, even the hardiest of heroines needs a little help. The Picture House is currently closed for essential conservation work to her facade and existing auditorium, alongside the creation of new, accessible facilities, including a larger foyer space and a second screen. So whilst the pause button might have been temporarily hit, by safeguarding the building, her story will continue to play on for many, many more years.
The Picture House Project
Over a century on from opening night, Hyde Park Picture House is embarking on an exciting new chapter: The Picture House Project.
Thanks to backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as continued support from Leeds City Council and our valued Friends and partners across the city, the Grade II listed cinema is being renewed.
Visit The Picture House Project website to explore the many ways we’ll be improving Hyde Park Picture House – from vital repair and restoration work on the cinema’s heritage features, to the creation of new accessible facilities, making the Picture House a place that everyone can visit.
On The Road
With work taking place on the cinema’s redevelopment, Hyde Park Picture House is going out on the road, delivering an off-site programme of screenings and events in venues across Leeds.
Click on the link below for more information about the programme, plus details of access and directions for each venue we work with on this project.
