Join local historian and writer Ben Waddington for an illustrated talk exploring the forgotten history of the Kings Heath Picture House, later known as the Cosy Cinema. This was Kings Heath’s first cinema, opening in the building now home to •nook• in 1911.

Using archive photographs, newspaper reports and historical records, Ben will uncover the story of the Cosy Cinema alongside Kings Heath’s wider cinemas history. Discover the people behind these early picture houses, the audiences they welcomed, the culture of cinema-going in the early twentieth century, and the detective work involved in piecing together the story of a venue that operated for just five years before disappearing.

Following the talk, you’re invited to stay for a screening of The Black Chancellor, a silent film that was shown in this very building 112 years ago – a unique opportunity to relive a piece of Kings Heath’s cinema history in the place where it originally happened.

Refreshments will be provided. Toilets are available on site. Booking is essential.

How to get there:
Bus 50, 35, 11, 27, 76 (2-5 min walk). Kings Heath train station (12 min walk). Pay & display carpark / Street parking (1min walk). 

Organised by •nook• gallery