Follow the Road to Abbeydale Picture Palace
Follow the Road to Abbeydale Picture Palace | No. 387 Abbeydale Road: A Cinematic Journey Through Time
In this painting, I explore the rich history and poignant decay of the Abbeydale Picture House, a once-grand cinema that opened its doors on December 20, 1920. The inaugural film, “The Call of the Road”, a silent movie starring Victor McLaglen in his first acting role is referenced in the piece, and it set the tone for the Picture House's illustrious beginnings.
This cinema, often referred to as the “Picture Palace," was renowned for its luxurious cream and gold colour scheme, seating 1,560 patrons, and housing both a ballroom and a billiard hall.
In creating this piece, I intertwined elements from “The Wizard of Oz”, a 1939 classic, by depicting a second film poster within the painting. This inclusion raises the question of whether this iconic film ever graced the screen of the Abbeydale Picture House, serving as a homage to the silent films lost to time and the beautiful cinema structure currently in decay.
The Abbeydale Picture House, now a Grade II-listed building, has experienced significant decline over the years. However, a beacon of hope emerged in January 2025 when True North Brew Co, a Sheffield-based hospitality company and brewery, acquired the property with plans to restore it to its former glory.
The restoration is set to be phased over the next two years, reflecting the scale and historic significance of the project. This endeavour aims to transform the Picture House into a vibrant cultural hub, honouring its cinematic legacy while breathing new life into its storied halls.
Through this painting, I aim to capture the essence of the Abbeydale Picture House's past grandeur, its present state of decay, and the hopeful future that lies ahead, inviting viewers to reflect on the passage of time and the enduring power of cinema.
Follow the Road to Abbeydale Picture Palace will be on display in the Yard Gallery Sheffield from
Friday 28th March as part of their ‘City to Peaks’ Exhibition.
For more information on the restoration efforts, please visit True North Brew Co's announcement.
