Opening of The Rex Cinema on 9th May 1938. Ralph Lynn standing on Lady Davidson’s right.
Berkhamsted Local History and Museum Society cared for by the Dacorum Heritage Trust
Picture: Dacorum Heritage Trust
The Rex opened 9th May 1938. The Shipman & King circuit planned to build a second cinema at the eastern end of town on the corner of Swing Gate Lane on land belonging to Edward Greene of the Hall. It then acquired Egerton House, a fine Elizabethan building, which was a better site nearer the town centre and with room for a car park behind. The cinema was opened by Viscountess Davidson and showed Shirley Temple playing in Heidi on the first night.
The architect was David Nye. The cinema had a most impressive and spacious double-height foyer. Access to the stalls was provided by steps behind the pay-box while the balcony was reached by stairs to both sides. The auditorium extended from Three Close Lane behind the parade of shops. The rear stalls area was reduced to make room for the café. The projection box was built up outside the auditorium on rakers, which extended through the back wall and was entered from an outside iron staircase. The seating capacity was 1,100
The Foyer entrance of the Rex, 1930’s
Berkhamsted Local History and Museum Society cared for by the Dacorum Heritage Trust
Picture: Dacorum Heritage Trust
The Fight to save the Rex
The threat of demolition stirred the Cinema Theatre Association into action. The building was spot-listed Grade II by English Heritage two days before it closed. A local campaign was initiated to save the Rex as an arts centre and cinema. In 1990 as the result of a public enquiry the Secretary of State for the Environment quashed the scheme to replace the building with offices. Planning permission was granted in 1993 for the building to become offices with the twin cinemas in the balcony serving as lecture theatres and only the foyer and restaurant being restored. Listing building consent however was refused. In 1997 the Friends of the Rex was formed to try and save the cinema, An attempt by The Estates and General Property Company to have the building de-listed failed. The Friends of the Rex put in a bid to the National Lottery Fund for money to purchase the Rex. This failed and the Rex Film and Arts Centre was formed, aiming to raise funds from elsewhere.
The Rex Cinema and parade of shops after the cinema was divided into 1 and 2
Berkhamsted Local History and Museum Society cared for by the Dacorum Heritage Trust
Picture: Dacorum Heritage Trust
The Rex Parade development-hoarding advert December 2001
Berkhamsted Local History and Museum Society cared for by the Dacorum Heritage Trust
Picture: Dacorum Heritage Trust
By The Dacorum Heritage Trust Ltd
15th September 2010