Ritzy Cinema

TQ 3175 18/1128

BRIXTON OVAL RITZY CINEMA

II

Cinema. Opened as the Electric Palace on 11 March 1911, architects EC Homer and Lucas with some minor alterations by George Coles in 1954. Classical style with some Modern Movement alterations to the front. Stuccoed and painted brick with slate roof. Front has ground floor with raised lines to imitate masonry. Rounded corner to Coldharbour Lane. 3 sashes with glazing bars intact to left, 1 altered to right and central recessed panel between pilasters for display. Band between floors. Ground floor window has keystones . 2 original 1911 panels with 2 cherubs with drapery and the initials EP. Late C20 flat canopy and double doors. Originally the corners had domes but these were removed following war damage. Side elevation has 9 bay divided by pilasters with moulded cornice and 9 round-headed arches with keystones and impost blocks and deep plinth. The Foyer has a false ceiling but the original plasterwork is said to survive underneath it. Stairs with scrolled cast iron and chrome railings probably dating from the 1954 alterations. The auditorium is remarkably little changed since 1911. Cambered proscenium arch with Ionic columns with partial reeding and auditorium of 9 bays with ribbed ceiling with moulded fruit motifs and Ionic columns with cherubs' heads and floral drops. Top panels with scrolls and larger moulded panels beneath. Rear has 2 entrances flanked by elaborate Ionic pilasters with floral swags. The raking of the auditorium has been altered recently and the seating has been brought in from another cinema.

Listing NGR: TQ3106775255