SNN102147 - An Historic Building Record of The Former Cannon Cinema, Abington Square, Northampton (SP7592 6079)

An historic building record of the former of the former Cannon cinema, Abington Square, Northampton was undertaken by University of Leicester Archaeological Services in June and July 2001 on behalf of the Jesus Army Charitable Trust in advance of refurbishment. The building is listed grade II and is a fine example of modernist architecture of the interwar period. It was designed by the house architect for Associated British Cinemas, William Riddell Glen, and opened its doors as the Savoy in 1936. The white 'permacrete' modernist façade is largely intact, as is the main auditorium with its spectacular proscenium arch, curving balcony and concealed lighting. The conversion to a triple screen theatre in the 1970s involved the boxing-in of the rear stalls, but fortunately caused comparatively little non-reversible damage to original features. The main foyer, however, has suffered rather more loss, although surviving detailing and historic photographs would make accurate restoration a viable proposition. Documentary research has produced a wealth of information, including contemporary newspaper reports, interior and exterior photographs and a set of original plans by W.R.Glen in Northampton Records Office. The building record will be deposited with Northamptonshire Heritage in due course.