Design Icon: The Electric Cinema, Notting Hill
By Livingetc
What? One of London’s oldest and now most luxurious cinemas, Notting Hill’s Grade II-listed Electric is the modern definition of a picture palace.
When? The Electric Cinema Theatre opened its doors on 27 February 1911 with a 25-minute biopic of Henry VIII, with the sixpence admission including a bun and an orange. Built by architect Gerald Seymour Valentin, its lookis what is known as Edwardian Baroque – telltale signs include the domed corner roof, paired Ionic pilasters and carved garlands. Inside, the auditorium apes a 17th-century church, with more columns and a grand proscenium arch.
Where? Midway up west London’s Portobello Road, the Electric shares its address with the antiques market. Its fortunes were as chequered as the area. As the popularity of cinema grew, it couldn’t compete with the bright lights of Leicester Square, so focused on showing double bills and older films. By the Forties, attendance was up to 4,000 people a week, despite the bombing raids of the Second World War. However, in the Fifties, Notting Hill saw civil unrest and the Electric declined into what became affectionately known as ‘The Bughole’.
Why? Like an ageing Hollywood star, the Electric managed not one but two comebacks. In the Seventies, it reinvented itself with midnight screenings of weird and wonderful films. This influential era saw directors such as Stephen Frears and Lord Puttnam venturing to the fleapit. But financial crises closed it for eight years – despite a petition signed by the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Anthony Hopkins. Yet it rose again when Peter Simon, founder of fashion brand Monsoon, pumped £2 million into restoration in 1998. Architects Gebler Tooth restored the best bits, while the Soho House Group later introduced state-of- the-art projection – and even double beds – for the ultimate cinematic treat.
191 Portobello Road, W11. Book itelectriccinema.co.uk
-
-
Earth Day: 10 best buys that our Editors love
In honor of Earth Day, these are the most sustainable, eco-friendly products our Editors can't get enough of
By Brittany Romano •
-
Off grid homes - see the most beautiful properties in the world that are sourced by eco power
The world's most beautiful off grid homes are as full of decor ideas as they are sustainable credentials
By Jo Dyson •
-
Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) vs Ring Alarm (1st Gen): is the new home security system worth buying?
We compare the original Ring Alarm 5-Piece home security system to the newest release
By Caroline Preece •
-
Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit review
We review the first generation Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit, testing it for user-friendliness, value and the added home security offered
By Caroline Preece •
-
Best home security system: the best security kits for greater peace of mind
The best home security systems and starter kits to keep your family and possessions safe, from Ring, Arlo, Panasonic and more
By Caroline Preece •
-
Best soundbar: never settle for sub-standard sound again
The best soundbars for adding a cinematic feel to your next binge-watch, from Sony, Samsung, Sonos and more
By Caroline Preece •
-
Sleep is tipped to be the new wellness trend with the launch of a new Sleep Retreat in Utah
Luxury hotel Amangiri Utah has launched a three-day sleep retreat for the ultimate R&R
By Rohini Wahi •
-
Best vacuum cleaners 2021: 6 dust-busting vacuums for sparkling floors
Upgrade your floorcare with the best vacuum cleaners of 2021 from Samsung, Dyson, Miele and Shark.
By Jaclyn Turner •
-
Majority K2 Soundbar review
Boost your audio and get a tree planted in your name with the Majority K2 Soundbar and subwoofer set
By Caroline Preece •
-
Get your passport ready as Airbnb shares its travel predictions for 2021
Travel has been front of mind for all of us with little insight on what it will look like post-pandemic. Here is a fascinating look at Airbnb’s travel predictions for 2021.
By Rohini Wahi •