Academy 1-2-3
161-167 Oxford Street,
London,
W1D 2JN
161-167 Oxford Street,
London,
W1D 2JN
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The curtain frame of screen #1 looks quite narrow. How was the screen structured? Was it Cinemascope letterboxed in 1.85? Does anybody remember which aspect ratios the Academy was equipped for in its 3 screens?
The first film I ever saw here was Ken Loach’s “Kes” in 1970. It was a film of stunning beauty that forever defined my memory of this cinema that premiered it.
Obituary for Ivo Jarosy and his Academy Cinema(s). https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/ivo-jarosy-obituary-1346087.html
In the history of the world’s greatest art house cinemas, the Academy in London must surely rank as one of the greatest.
Hi all,
I’m researching the Academy for a book, taking in the entire history of the building, constructing a timeline of films that were shown there, a catalogue of the posters (Strausfeld, and those produced before and after him), and biographies of the key people involved in its history – Elsie Cohen, George Hoellering, Ivo Jarosy and Peter Strausfeld. I will also discuss the art cinema scene in London and distributors such as Charles & Kitty Cooper’s Contemporary Films. I’ll also discuss some of the fascinating asides to the main story: the ICA, the Marquee Club etc.
I’d really like to hear of experiences and knowledge of the place and the people, whether you worked there, you knew any of the participants or just have specific memories of movie-going. I’m also seeking imagery of the theatre over the years – any photos that may have been snapped outside or inside; also, any special items such as film notes, flyers, and of course the posters. If you have anything to share please drop me a line, I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks,
Pete
Article on the basement construction of the second auditorium
Did the Academy show trailers? Is there any information available online as to old programmes of films and brochures etc?
Is there anyone who worked at the Academy still around to talk to?
Many thanks
On my first visit to London in 1975 I saw several films in a Buster Keaton season at the Academy – a really unique experience, as they were the only silent films I’ve ever seen in a cinema, complete with live piano accompaniment. Another interesting fact about the Academy is that the basement was once a dancehall, which became the first location of the Marquee Club from 1958 to 1964.
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For me the highlight of the year was the annual programme of the Olivier Shakespeare trilogy – “Henry V”, “Hamlet” and “Richard III”. “Henry V” on a big screen in sumptuous colour-saturated IB Technicolor never ceased to impress. It was an absolute disgrace that permission was granted to demolish this wonderful theatre.
I went to the last day’s screening’s there, prior to the demolition.
The supermarket chain Marks And Spencers swallowed up the space, albeit, the offices to the side is called “ Academy” Buildings.
An early picture can be found on this wonderful link.
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best
kev p
On April 22, 1973 I saw two films at the Academy. At Academy 1, Claude Chabrol’s Just Before Nightfall; at Academy 3, Miklós Jancsó’s Red Psalm.
I HAVE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THIS CINEMA TAKEN IN 1977…..
FOYER…AUDITORIUM…PROJECTORS…
This cinema was located in Oxford Street and opened as The Picture House on 25 January 1913.It was designed by Gilbert and Constanduros and was a two-level auditorium with 668 seats.The building suffered bomb damage in 1940 and didn’t re-open until March 1944.Academy One opened in May 1964,Academy Two in March 1965 and Academy Three in April 1967.The theatres closed permanently on 2 April 1986 and were demolished in 1989.
A popular art house venue the Academy was originally a single screen venue.An additional screen was built in the basement in the early 1970s and a third smaller screen was built in disused office space.The cinema was demolished many years ago to make way for an extension to a department store.It is sadly missed