Where was the UK’s first cinema?
Cinema is an enjoyable and immersive experience. Films can be viewed on the big screen, showcasing visual and audio special effects to their full potential. A cinema experience is full of nostalgia and joy, from getting comfortable amongst the rows of seats to becoming swept up in the escapism of a good movie.
The history of UK cinema
Originally a product of the 19th century, cinema is now a multi-million-pound industry and a popular medium of entertainment and communication.
Location
The Art Deco Grade II-listed Regent Street Cinema in London is considered to be the birthplace of British Cinema. Now part of the University of Westminster, the building is steeped in history. It originally functioned as the Polytechnic Institution in 1838, which became a popular school of photography and was the first of its kind to innovate optical or magic lantern techniques.
In 1881, the Polytechnic Institution closed and the building became the Young Men’s Christian Institute. Purchased by Quentin Hogg, the building was catapulted to the forefront of innovation of images.
On 21 February 1896, the theatre was rented out to the Lumiere Brothers for the first public UK screening of a cinema performance. Entitled Cinematographe, it consisted of a mix of films lasting 40-59 seconds each. These motion pictures premiered all over the world; however, at the time, the Lumiere Brothers concluded that there was no commercial future for cinematographe.
In 1929, the Great Hall was refurbished in Art Deco style. It showcased popular travel films and documentaries.
Home cinema
It is now possible to experience the cinema in your own home thanks to companies specialising in home cinema installation in Oxford and throughout the UK. Using state-of-the-art technology, such as projectors, amplifiers and speakers, any room in your home can be transformed into a cutting-edge cinema experience. An internet search for home cinema installation Oxford or wherever you are will produce lots of results.
Cinema remains a consistently popular way to relax and become fully immersed in a mesmerising audio and visual experience that awakens the senses.
