Urban-Smith Kinemacolor back in Birkenhead

Published

2022

The Urban-Smith Kinemacolor projector is now back home on display in the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum in Birkenhead, following restoration by the PPT in Elstree.

Mark Lees provided the photographs below of the Argyle Exhibition at The Williamson Art Gallery and Museum in Birkenhead. The Urban Smith projector was rescued from the basement of the Argyle Theatre after the theatre was bombed in 1940. The PPT had been looking after it at Elstree and with the help of Nigel Wolland, Steve Rowley and Mike Taylor had it shipped up to Birkenhead for this display in celebration for the History of the Argyle.

The group picture by the projector shows left to right: Mike Clarke and his wife, Anthony Clarke, and Roger Clarke. All three are grandchildren from Mr Denis J Clarke the famous proprietor/manager of the Argyle. The exhibition ended on Saturday 3 September and it is claimed over 5,500 people visited the exhibition. Some great and interesting comments were added in the visitors book from visitors from as far away as the USA and Australia!