Dreamland Cinema, Margate, 1935

Dreamland cinema opened on the 22nd of March 1935, showing Richard Boleslawski’s The Painted Veil, starring Greta Garbo. The programme also included a Laurel and Hardy support feature and an organ recital by Lewis Gerard.

Dreamland cinema in Margate was built as part of the Dreamland amusement park by the remarkable John Henry Iles, who also developed the nearby Lido at Cliftonville. Designed by Iles, Julian Leathart and WF Granger, the cinema was inspired by the modernism of German cinema design. The building also influenced Oscar Deutsch and his many Odeon cinemas.

The history of Dreamland cinema is tied to the story of the attached amusement park. Owned by three generations of the Iles family until the late 1950s, it passed through many hands on its way to its current owners, Thanet District Council.

At times a cinema, bingo hall, slot machine arcade and an all-you-can-eat buffet, like many relics of the 1930s, it has had a bumpy ride, even scheduled for demolition and redevelopment in 2003 – not to mention the arson attacks on the park in 2008 and 2014.

Now a Grade II* listed building, it has only recently (since 2016) seen significant renovation to return it somewhat to its former glory. Gaining period-appropriate replica doors & signage and the removal of years of grime and over-painting. It is a testament to the members of the Save Dreamland Campaign that the building has been saved for others to enjoy.

In my artwork, I have attempted to return the building to the same state as on its opening night in 1935. Accurate historical research material is somewhat limited. With only the building in its current condition, two historical photographs (from 1935 & 1955) and the opening night’s programme for reference. I hope you will forgive any slight anachronisms.

This artwork is available on all the usual gear from my shops. If you like it, you can find the links to buy it below.

Prints: Photographic, Art, Canvas, Framed, Metal, Cards

Prints: Photographic, Art, Canvas, Framed, Metal, Cards

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Acrylic Block: 6″, 4″

 Dreamland Cinema, Margate, 1935

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