THE REMBRANDT, EWELL

Architect: E. NORMAN BAILEY, L.R.I.B.A.

DESIGNED by Mr. E. Norman Bailey, L.R.I.B.A., the new Rembrandt Cinema in Kingston Road, Ewell, occupies a most commanding site on the elevated approach to a railway bridge, and though situated on an exceptionally busy thoroughfare, cannot possibly cause traffic congestion, as it is approached by a private service road, which leaves the main highway some 50 yards west of the cinema entrance and follows the steep gradient towards the car park. The exterior design is simple and restrained, and in its very simplicity and restraint it has achieved a pleasing dignity which is equaled by few cinemas in suburbs or home counties. The artificial stone rendering is in a pale cream, the colour relief being found in the old-fashioned lettering of bright green, in which the unusual name has been most suitably carried out, and in the entrance doors of the same colour. The huge plate-glass window to the first-floor café dominates the façade and tends to link up the various units of elevation, not the least noticeable of which is the attrac­tive cream canopy, manufactured and erected by Swanser & Son, Ltd.

The same simple colour scheme of cream and green is maintained in the entrance foyer, where the mauve carpet has a design which is in keeping not only with the name of the cinema, but with the period furniture and fireplace. The auditorium is a delightful study in rose-pink. This colour has been used almost entirely for the mural treatment both above and below the balcony, and while it is relieved by only the slightest touches of green and gold towards the ante-proscenium, its expanse never becomes monotonous. The ante proscenium treatment consists of recessed panels, in which sculptured effects achieve a most lifelike appear­ance with the assistance of a com­prehensive and ingenious installation of indirect lighting. The stage draperies, in rich green, form an interesting contrast to the pink mural treatment and to the upholstery of the 1,500 seats which appears to vary from a rich mauve to a dark shade of russet according’ to the light in which it is viewed.

The Rembrandt has been erected for, and is to be controlled by, Mr. J. Gardner. The general contractors for the scheme were W. H. Gaze & Sons, Ltd., and the following firms were amongst the sub-contractors:

London Brick Co., Ltd., and Binfield Brick & Tile Co., bricks; Clark & Fenn, Ltd., decoration; James Walker (Architectural Decorations), Ltd., Plasterwork; Barlow & Young, Ltd., heating, ventilation, and electrical installations; Helical Bar & Engineering Co., Ltd., reinforced concrete floors; F. H. Pride, Ltd., lighting fittings; Walturdaw Cinema Supply Co., Ltd., draperies; Pixtons, 1td., seating; Merryweather & Sons, Ltd., Fire-fighting apparatus; Hadfields. (Merton), Ltd., paint; Newalls Insulation Co., Ltd., acoustic material; RCA Photophone, Ltd., High Fidelity sound - reproducing equipment; Decorstone, Ltd., artificial stone.