cinema
Tibbalds Monro, 1995
Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon, CR9 1ET
what3words: locals.swan.number
Croydon Council's ambitious 1990s Croydon Clocktower project created a large new central library. Former Town Hall library and other spaces were then repurposed as arts venues which opened in 1995. These tours will outline how this was achieved, with particular emphasis on the David Lean Cinema, and will include a brief talk on the cinema's eventful history.
East Croydon, West Croydon
119, 466, 109, 166, 312, 405, 407, 412, 433, 468, 60, 403
Approx walking times: George St. tram stop 4 mins; Church St. tram stop 7 mins; train stations 10 mins. Meet at Croydon Clocktower entrance.
Entire tour is accessible other than the projection room visit.
A walking tour followed by a talk in the cinema auditorium. Seating available at some points.
Guided tour
10:30–12:30
A detailed guided tour exploring areas of the Town Hall linked to the 1990s creation of the David Lean Cinema and other arts facilities.
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
Guided tour
14:00–16:00
A detailed guided tour exploring areas of the Town Hall linked to the 1990s creation of the David Lean Cinema and other arts facilities.
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
In the early 1990s, Croydon Council undertook a bold £30 million project which refurbished parts of the Grade II listed Town Hall and sympathetically added a large, state of the art new central library, on four floors at the back of the building. During the project's final phase, former Town Hall areas (that included its original library facilities and court rooms) were given a new lease of life as arts venues, in settings that offered a striking blend of Victorian and modern architecture. The arts complex that opened in 1995 was soon described by Time Out as "The jewel in Croydon's crown", but most cultural activity (including the David Lean Cinema) was halted in 2011, due to major cuts to the Council's arts budget.
The tour will provide an overview of how and where the Clocktower's arts venues were created, touching upon some of the architectural challenges. There will be particular emphasis on the cinema's auditorium, projection room, arts bar and former box offices. A talk inside the auditorium will include the connection with David Lean (director a classic British films that included 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' and 'Lawrence of Arabia'); and notable people from the worlds of film production and exhibition who have worked or appeared at the cinema. It will also include the challenges of reopening the cinema in 2014, and running it as a Community Interest Company with nearly 100 volunteers. Finally, there will be an opportunity for small groups to visit the projection room.
