4 relief sculptures of theatrical scenes, probably of Portland stone, set within stone panels as a frieze above the main entrance to the cinema. Artist unknown. Iconography at the moment opaque.
The Odeon Cinema at Guildford was built in 1935. It has been empty for some years, but is now demolished to make way for a smart block of expensive flats. The sculptures have fortunately been preserved, and are due to be cleaned and restored, to be set within the wall of the main entrance of the block of flats. Cleaning may well reveal a signature, and will remove years of paint, grime and well-established plant life. The sculptures will however be removed from their immediate architectural setting, in which they form an important element in the design of the building as a whole.
Very few cinemas of the period appear to have had figurative sculptures as part of the overall design of the building.
The ironwork grilles of the tall windows above are (or were) fine examples of art deco decoration. Their fate is unknown.
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Text and photos - Jeremy Haslam