This exhibition documents the history of cinemas and film production in Bath, spanning from early pre-WWI theaters to the mid-20th century. Visitors can engage with curated displays of period photographs, authentic film memorabilia, and personal accounts from former cinema staff. Interactive elements, including a historic projector and museum cinema kiosk, highlight the social impact of the film industry on the local landscape.
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Lights! Camera! Action!: 120 Years of Cinemas and Films in Bath at Museum of Bath at Work in Bath
This exhibition explores the history of cinemas and filmmaking in Bath, tracing the evolution from the earliest pre-WWI theaters to the mid-20th century. Visitors can discover personal stories from cinema staff, view authentic film memorabilia, and explore photographic records of movies filmed on location in the city.
Lights! Camera! Action! examines the significant cultural impact of cinema on Bath over the past 120 years. The exhibition delves into the professional lives of those who kept the cinemas running, including projectionists, managers, and usherettes, while capturing the experience of local audiences through the decades. It highlights how the industry transformed the city's social landscape and invites visitors to step back in time through curated displays of period photographs and local film production history. Beyond archival displays, the exhibition offers a hands-on experience, featuring a real film projector and double-seats rescued from the Palladium in Midsomer Norton. Visitors are invited to engage with the display by posing in a custom-built museum cinema kiosk and exploring a collection of reminiscences from those who worked in local theaters. A special commemorative book has been produced to accompany the exhibition, which is available for purchase at the museum.
General museum admission applies to visit the exhibition. Visitors are advised to note that the museum is closed on Monday afternoons, and those interested in supporting film screenings should check the museum's event calendar for booking information.
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Lights! Camera! Action!: 120 Years of Cinemas and Films in Bath at Museum of Bath at Work in Bath
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