Hello, I'm wondering whether anyone can help. I work at the Electric Cinema on Station Street, Birmingham. The building was a conversion in 1909, not a purpose built cinema. The frontage was re-styled in the late 1930s for the art deco Tatler News Theatre. The venue was modified during this time but the structure remains (notable from the matching brickwork at the rear). I would like to find out the original purpose of the building. We know it was a 'commodious shop' of some sort, as stated in a local newspaper documenting the opening. When the Electric 1909 opened, the building shared space with a billiards saloon on the second floor and Jewish boys school on the third. Attached are two photos of Station Street from the late 1890s/early 1900s showing the gap between buildings, where we The Electric and The Rep will later occupy. The next step I think would be to check the planning permission records for Station St at the library...
I've been told that records may not go back that far which is very disappointing. We currently don't know exactly how old the building is beyond the Electric Theatre 1909.
Thank you,
Kate
I've been told that records may not go back that far which is very disappointing. We currently don't know exactly how old the building is beyond the Electric Theatre 1909.
Thank you,
Kate