Bring her to the Duke's, it is fit for a Duchess

Brighton’s Duke of York’s Picturehouse celebrates its 100 years anniversary 

The Duke of York’s Picturehouse, located in Brighton, is the oldest continuously operating purpose built cinema in Britain. It opened on 22 September 1910 and it was one of the first cinemas in the world. The original advertising, dating from almost one hundred years ago, encouraged men to take their women to the Duke’s cinema by selling the idea that it was fit for a Duchess.

 The Edwardian façade of the Duke’s, painted in a yellowish and white hue (the original colour scheme used to be red and cream) and the fact that the building has remained largely unaltered ever since it was built a century ago, makes this work by Clayton & Black architects one of the most iconic buildings in the south eastern city. The walls of the former Amber Ale Brewery, on the site of which the cinema was built, still form part of the auditorium. Tip-up seating was provided for 800 people, while at the moment the venue only offers 283 seats. Being in front of its splendorous frontage, it is hard to believe that when the Duke’s was first inaugurated, watching a movie there cost only three pence.

 Jon Barrenechea has been working at the Duke’s since 2004 and currently he is the General Manager of the Picturehouse. “Working at the Duke’s is a great honor and a great responsibility, I feel part of a chain of people who have kept the cinema alive for 100 years” says Barrenechea. The history of the place talks through its walls. 


One can imagine how many first dates and how many happy endings took place inside its doors through all these years. “I have so many good memories: sold out screenings, premiere events, fundraisers for our roof, for Cine Esteli, parties, performances, gigs… It is impossible to pin one down” claims Jon. He attended film school in New York City and he worked as well in film production before starting his job at the Duke’s. Jon suggests that what makes the historic cinema so special remains a mystery: “if we could bottle what the Duke’s represents we could be rich instantly. It’s a combination of history, the films, the memories, the architecture, the staff, the city… who knows!"

Jon Barrenechea | Photo: Jon Barrenechea

In 1994 it became a Grade II listed building, which means that planning any kind of expansion (the Duke’s admissions double the national average for single screen cinemas) is not viable. However, Cinecity Ltd, the owner of the Duke’s, has publicly declared their intention of buying the fire station next door to expand the current cinema. 

To celebrate Duke’s centenary there is a complete programme of activities, which Jon lists, “screenings, talks, a website, a book, a party, a big cake and a lot of community and educational events”. Not far from the city centre and very close to the train station, many believe that the Duke of York’s cinema has survived for a century, while many others in Brighton came and went, because its locally-based spirit.  

That sense of community can easily be understood by reading the cinema’s anniversary website, in which they gather many interviews with people who has a history at the Duke’s. 

If you are feeling like going, do it. For only nine quid you can experience much more than just another movie screening at the historic venue of the Duke’s of York. 

Getting there: 

Brighton is only one hour away from London

www.nationalrail.co.uk

www.nationalexpress.co.uk

Preston Circus, Brighton BN1 4NA, United Kingdom‎ - 0871 902 5728‎

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