The landmark Wallaw cinema closed in 2004 and had since stood empty. The grade II listed, Art Deco building is ‘the best surviving work of the firm Percy Lindsay Browne’ which designed many cinemas in the northeast. The job’s architect is thought to have been Charles Alfred Harding. Built in 1937, with seating for 1,441, the cinema was also a theatre, where Ant and Dec made their stage début in the 1980s.

Text about the history of The Wallaw

The text reads: The former Wallaw cinema stands on the site of the Blyth Hippodrome built in 1902 by circus proprietor William Tudor.

The Hippodrome closed in 1920. William Tudor was also the man who brought ‘moving pictures’ to Blyth. This inspired the artist to create the silent movie canvases. The artwork has been created digitally and printed onto canvas.

An original film projector

The projector on display here was found in the building after purchase. The machine had been left in the projection room, still bolted to the floor, pointing at the main screen.

The Wallaw cinema closed its doors in 2004 and remained empty and unused for the next nine years.

A plan of Blyth Harbour

External photograph of the building – main entrance