I must have taken this photograph sometime between 1963 and 1966: the first date being the release date of that memorable cinema classic, The Girl Hunters, the second being when they converted the cinema into a Bingo Hall. I can just about recall going to the cinema on a few occasions - the double seats on the back few rows making it an attractive location for teenagers in search of cultural enrichment.
The second photograph shows the current state of the building; every time I pass I almost want to weep at the tragedy of its downfall. There were plans, at one time, to turn it into a hotel, but I have no idea what has happened to that idea in these Covid-infested times. I just want to take the building home and care for it, but my wife won't let me.
Interestingly - at least to me - is that the building was designed by Richard Horsfall, the older brother of Charles Horsfall. Charles Horsfall designed the Bolton Brow Sunday School and Assembly Hall, a Grade II listed building that I did take home and care for when it became my studio.
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