Dream Palaces: the Ultimate Picture Palace and early cinema in Oxford

When the Oxford Picture Palace (now the Ultimate Picture Palace) opened in 1911 it was Oxford’s first purpose-built ‘electric theatre’. The technology of projecting moving images on to a screen was still in its infancy, but the ‘cinematograph’ had become wildly popular and a wave of new cinemas quickly followed, offering thrilling entertainment to both Town and Gown. In a 27-year period no fewer than ten new cinemas opened. This talk by Liz Woolley introduces audiences to this fascinating aspect of Oxford’s social history.

The Society is hosting this talk as a fundraiser for the UPP’s campaign to improve its accessibility and facilities, which depends on its being allowed to extend its lease.