The Pavilion in Deal, Kent, I have found out from the Kent History Forum, was opened in 1928 but unfortunately was never a success. I have found references to boxing matches being held there.
The first postcard is unused but the second is dated 1932, only a year before the failing building was transformed into a cinema, the Regent. That was successful enough for a time and continued operating during the war in spite of being beside the sea. In the war years, a powerful searchlight was placed on the roof.
In 1963 the cinema was closed and the building then became a bingo hall. That in turn closed and the Regent sits empty waiting for a new life.
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| Photo from Jim Linwood/Flickr |
A post for Sepia Saturday. A click on the button will take you to the blog.
The cinema has a wonderful facade. I hope it is able to reborn without losing that look.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I see beautiful old buildings sitting empty, I wonder what the public wants, what it would take to make the building come alive again. I wonder what the people of Kent would like to see there.
ReplyDeleteI miss the old theaters that were around when I was young
ReplyDeleteMany a theatre and cinema suffered the fate of being turned into a bingo hall. What a shame, there were some wonderful buildings
ReplyDeleteWow, how exciting! We almost stayed in a rented house in the Kent area!I sent away for some brochures to rent something while mile daughter was interning in London...the area looked wonderful....these are stunning photos of a wonderful era!
ReplyDeleteWe all seem to hav photos of places that have seen better days. Hope the Regent rises again.
ReplyDeleteAs your first picture has a sepia tone may I ask that you take a look at my post 'Old Views of Rotterdam' as I would welcome a postcarder's opinion on what I've found - http://bobscotney.blogspot.com/2012/01/old-views-of-rotterdam.html
I've visited Kent once but I haven't been in Deal. If there is a youth population they could maybe use it for concerts and band practice.
ReplyDeleteAh, at least it hasn't been torn down. Here's hoping another transformation awaits.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderfully elegant-looking old building. There are so many things it could be used for. People would rather come to (small) business conventions, for example, by the sea. Or trade shows. Probably not rodeos. Maybe a museum. Make sure it doesn't get torn down. Does it look the same today? Hope not all tarted up. Are those beach chairs in the bottom picture?
ReplyDeleteI know for a fact there is at least one youthful resident in Deal.
I hope it finds a new life. At least it hasn't been torn down.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful buildings and again such a shame they are lost to us!
ReplyDeleteYes, at least it hasn't been torn down. What a great opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what it will become in it's new life? In the Pacific Northwest, we have a couple of brothers named McMenamins who take old historic buildings and turn them into pubs and hotels. I wonder if somebody will do something similar with the pavilion?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post, I really enjoyed it.
Kathy M.