THE MANOR PICTURE HOUSE WAS HERE
THIS WAS THE MANOR PICTURE HOUSE [WAS ALSO KNOWN AS THE MANOR CINEMA]
The building on Manor Street, Dublin, known variously as the Manor Picture House and the Manor Cinema, holds a significant place in the city's history. Originally opened in 1914 as the Manor Street Picture House, it later became the Palladium Cinema in 1934 and the Broadway Manor Street Cinema around 1940. Despite these official changes, "Manor Cinema" remained the popular name, particularly around 1920, suggesting a shift in common usage.
Built as a cinema, not a converted house, it was a notable early example of dedicated cinema architecture in Dublin. Designed for 630 patrons, its architectural features included a glazed iron canopy, a higher parapet, and distinct fenestration, setting it apart from neighboring buildings.
The Manor Cinema served as a vital community entertainment hub, opening as the Manor Cinema on May 10, 1920, with silent films and a live, all-female orchestra. By the 1940s, it had adapted to sound films with an RCA Photophone system. Its architectural design, featuring rendered walls, pilasters, and a vaulted ceiling, contributed to its appeal.
Operating from 1914 to 1956, the cinema's closure was likely due to a combination of factors, including competition from larger city-centre cinemas, the economic recession of 1955-1956, and demographic shifts. While television's rise played a role, its impact in 1956 was likely secondary to these other issues.
The Manor Cinema played a crucial role in the social and cultural life of Stoneybatter, offering escapism and communal experiences. Its legacy reflects a time when cinema was central to community life.
Today, the building at 60-61 Manor Street, now the Stoneybatter Community Centre, retains architectural features that recall its cinematic past. Though the auditorium is divided, elements like the staircase and projection room remain, preserving its historical character.
The building on Manor Street, Dublin, known variously as the Manor Picture House and the Manor Cinema, holds a significant place in the city's history. Originally opened in 1914 as the Manor Street Picture House, it later became the Palladium Cinema in 1934 and the Broadway Manor Street Cinema around 1940. Despite these official changes, "Manor Cinema" remained the popular name, particularly around 1920, suggesting a shift in common usage.
Built as a cinema, not a converted house, it was a notable early example of dedicated cinema architecture in Dublin. Designed for 630 patrons, its architectural features included a glazed iron canopy, a higher parapet, and distinct fenestration, setting it apart from neighboring buildings.
The Manor Cinema served as a vital community entertainment hub, opening as the Manor Cinema on May 10, 1920, with silent films and a live, all-female orchestra. By the 1940s, it had adapted to sound films with an RCA Photophone system. Its architectural design, featuring rendered walls, pilasters, and a vaulted ceiling, contributed to its appeal.
Operating from 1914 to 1956, the cinema's closure was likely due to a combination of factors, including competition from larger city-centre cinemas, the economic recession of 1955-1956, and demographic shifts. While television's rise played a role, its impact in 1956 was likely secondary to these other issues.
The Manor Cinema played a crucial role in the social and cultural life of Stoneybatter, offering escapism and communal experiences. Its legacy reflects a time when cinema was central to community life.
Today, the building at 60-61 Manor Street, now the Stoneybatter Community Centre, retains architectural features that recall its cinematic past. Though the auditorium is divided, elements like the staircase and projection room remain, preserving its historical character.
THE MANOR PICTURE HOUSE WAS HERE