Blast from the past: The Picture Palace Cinema

Local history enthusiast Kevin Avery has shared his latest weekly 'blast from the past' picture.

Sidmouth once had a choice of Cinemas.

The Cinema Picture Palace opened, in premises that had previously been home to the Belle Vue restaurant, in either 1911 or 1912.

The cinema never converted to sound, and closed in 1929.

The Knight family opened their family dress shop and drapers business in the building in 1938.

On making the necessary alterations, the family removed an artificial wall, and found the original plaster screen behind it.

They also noted the date 1875 on a rafter, indicating the possible age of the building.

Sadly Knights store closed in May 2010.

The premises is currently occupied by Fat Face at 4 Fore Street, Sidmouth

Don't forget to keep an eye out for next week's blast from the past picture.

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