Is the Wurlitzer For Sale?

Habitat have opened a new store in a disused cinema building at 123 Regent Street. The grade II listed building has had a remarkable history – from meat market to Gallery to Cinema to Church. The store design is the first from Habitat’s Non Executive Creative Director Tom Dixon who has been involved with the project at every stage, from the interior restoration to the fittings. A number of original features have been restored, these include the magnificent auditorium and significant remaining features of the cinema including the original gallery space with a vaulted plaster ceiling, Neo-Egyptian light fittings and original Wurlitzer organ. The Film Society held its first meeting at this cinema in 1925. Founder members of The Film Society included H G Wells, George Bernard Shaw and Augustus John. The first show included the feature film The Waxworks (directed by Paul Leni) and Champion Charlie, a Chaplin short.

Infact the building looks so good after the renovation, it’s hard to know which is the biggest draw: the building or its contents.

Nathan Usmar Lauder
Posted on Wednesday, 24th of May 2006 Permalink Comment (1)