The Keswick Alhambra, established in 1913, is a little gem of cinema heritage: one of very few UK picture houses to have remained in continuous operation for over 100 years, with many original features and fittings still intact. We are completely independent, family-owned and operated, and run on a shoestring but with much love: read more about our history on our website.
Do you love your local cinema, are you one of our community of regular visitors, or have you enjoyed our free tea and coffee, shop-priced confectionary and wonderful atmosphere just the once? Maybe you simply want to help keep characterful old cinemas alive and thriving?! Here's why we are asking for donations:
We are going to have the ceiling repaired and repaint the auditorium in its original heritage colour in June this year (we replaced the leaky roof two years ago), which is going to cost over our budget of £15k. We also have an estimate of £9k for restoration of the original cast iron radiators and metal panelling around the building, which are currently buried under a century's worth of paint. Of course it makes sense to do that at the same time, while the cinema is shut, but we can't afford it to do it all: that's where you come in. With your help, we'll be able to have that lovely original burnished-gold decor exposed. Once we get that lit, the Alhambra will look truly glorious! (Rob Grange photography in the above photo makes the auditorium look much more glamorous than it actually is at present. Scroll down for more photos)
Either make a simple donation, or choose one of the various 'purchase plus donations' on offer: tickets, Friend of the Alhambra discount cards, inscription, special tours or private screenings just for you - take a look.
Please note: there is an 'Optional tip' button asking you to donate to Crowdfunder in addition to this project - it gives a suggested %. However, you can select 'Other Amount' and choose £0, or any other amount you wish to give - unfortunately we have had one or two donors who didn't realise this and gave more to crowdfunder than they would have done if they'd known how to do this.
For more information, or if you wish to make a larger donation, or discuss other arrangements we might make for you in return for your donation, please contact us directly: 017687 72195 or [email protected].
Thank you so much for your help.
PHOTO 1: this is what the radiators look like after a bit of chipping of the many layers. We need a professional to finish the job!
PHOTO 2: This is what the radiators look like underneath the paint. This small one is hidden away in the old ticket office, so was spared the layers!
PHOTO 3: these panels are also metal, and will be the same burnished gold as the radiators when they're stripped!
PHOTO 4: This is what the lower walls actually look like without the fancy photography!
