Gaumont Palace Wolverhampton

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Uploaded on: October 5, 2023

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Photograph taken for opening Monday 5th September 1932 showing the breathtaking proscenium. Built by Architect W. E. Trent, with Assistant James Morrison. The above
photograph epitomises the grandeur of the Gaumont Palaces at their peak. How did those early audiences cope with watching films shown in such splendour, even the Frank Barnes Safety Curtain which the audience rarely saw is a work of art showing scenes from ancient Greek Mythology. A stepped and ribbed ceiling guides the eye down to the outer splay wall column, one of seventeen finished in gold and silver they pass through the gold Greek Key proscenium boarder eventually enclosing a colourful mass of swirling clouds from where winged horses try to break free. Illumination for the entire area was by concealed lighting. Below the dado either side coloured in dark stained mahogany panelling, finished with chrome banding highlighting the columns above. Plain green palms are set into each corner so as not to detract from the opulence viewed around, the Safety Curtain was raised in front of an invited audience for the opening ceremony, with broadcasting organist Fredric Bayco playing the Compton organ. Clark and Fenn were responsible for all the outstanding fibrous plaster work and internal decorations.

Ron Knee