May 1916: Opening of Cranston’s Picture House, Renfield Street

An article on page eight of The Stage, on Thursday the 25th of May, 1916, reads:

 

“CRANSTON’S PICTURE HOUSE.

 

Yet another picture house has been added to the many in Glasgow. The building is in Renfield Street, and is on the site of

what was for many years Cranston’s Tea Rooms, the management of which decided to reconstruct it into a picture house.

The new house was opened to the public on Monday. The building is designed in the Renaissance style of architecture; the

upper portion is faced with Doulton Carrara Ware, and the lower floor of marble, while the main entrance is flanked by two

massive pillars of green Tino’s marble. The picture house is in the centre of the building, while the other portions, not yet

complete, are intended for tea-rooms. The scheme of interior decoration is a mélange of black, yellow, and orange, while

the walls are of soft Chinese yellow colour. Four passenger lifts run direct from the Elevator Hall to any part of the building.

The ventilation is of the most approved principle, which allows of fresh air being introduced every few minutes. The seating

facilities have been provided for the utmost comfort of the visitors. The management have been fortunate in securing Mr. D.

K. Kelly as manager. He was at one time with La Scala, and, lately, of the Grand Central.”

 

 

The British Newspaper Archive.

 

 

George Fairfull-Smith, June 2023.