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THE Brioscore, May 6, 1915.
559
GLASGOW’S OLDEST RENTING FIRM.
For well over thirty years the name Bendon has been well-known in connection with the entertainment business of Scotland, and for the whole of that period no name has commanded more respect. In the early days, before films were thought of, the founder of the firm now known as the Bendon Trading Company was Scotland’s own ventriloquial artist, and as Prince Bendon was known in every city town and hamlet in the country. Mr. Bendon’s experi
ences as an artist would fill a goodly sized
volume, and make interesting reading, but as to present day readers the subject of our sketch is primarily known as the pioneer of the film
MR. PRINCE BENDON, The Founder of the Company.
hiring business North of the Tweed we will confine our remarks to that part of his career which deals solely with cinematography. in 1900, then, that Prince Bendon first commenced the film-hiring business, but for several years prior to this date he had intimate acquaintance with the early films, for in his entertainment tours with his own company he was one of the first to show the marvels of animated photography to the people of Scotland. In the increase of entertainments similar to his own Prince Bendon saw great_opportunities,
It was
and, having the courage of his own convictions, — business, con-V
opened Scotland's first_film-hirin
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ducting operations from his private residence in Cathcart Road. From small beginnings the enterprise prospered and increased, and soon larger premises had to be secured. A move was made to Albert Road, Crosshill, but it was soon discovered that central premises were a necessity, and these were ultimately found in Jamaica Street, in the centre of the city. For six years these premises served their purpose well but, with increasing’ clients, another move was necessary, and the present premises in Wilson Street was secured. Here the business has developed to one of the largest of its kind in the city, and as it was first in 1900 so it
Mr. WILLIAM BENDON.
still holds its position in 1915. As an imstance of cordial relations which exist between the firm and its clients it is only necessary to state that the first customer in 1900 is still a regular hirer of the firm’s -specialities.
We have said that Mr. Bendon saw the possibilities of the business, and this is borne out by the fact that in the early days the firm not only ‘hired the films but also let out on hire projectors and accessories, at times having as many as twenty outfits on the road at one time. With the advent of permanent halls the B.T.C. laid themselves out to supply clients with their
programmes, and right along have kept pace Original from
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY H
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