Dream Palaces: A history of the Ultimate Picture Palace and early cinema in Oxford
When the Oxford Picture Palace (now the Ultimate Picture Palace) opened in 1911 it was Oxford’s first purpose-built ‘electric theatre’. The technology of projecting moving images on to a screen was still in its infancy, but the ‘cinematograph’ had become wildly popular and a wave of new cinemas quickly followed, offering thrilling entertainment to both Town and Gown. In a 27-year period no fewer than ten new cinemas opened. This talk introduces audiences to this fascinating aspect of Oxford’s social history.
“It was a really interesting talk, enjoyed by us all, and there was lots of great feedback afterwards. You are such a clear speaker.” Helen Connor, Brightwell cum Sotwell WI, May 2026.
“You gave us another wonderful talk. Your research is so impressive, and you had gathered a fascinating selection of photographs. I’m sure no-one realised how many cinemas there have been in Oxford, and you gave us the story of each one. The evening had a particularly good buzz about it, especially at question time; our audience loved it.” Rosemary Wharton, Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum, October 2025.
“Great delivery, fine visual (and audio) content, painstaking research and detail; amusing, informative, fascinating.“ Bruce Hugman, Writers in Oxford, March 2025.
Contact me on 01865 242760 or liz@lizwoolley.co.uk to book this talk.