The Bioscope (May-Jun 1915)

THE BIOSCOPE, May. 20, 1915. : 733 AN EVENT OF THE WEEK. Monday last found another memorable day in late of the Trans-Atlantic Film Co., Limited, the history of London's film area, for it marked the opening of the handsome and well-equipped premises secured by the Selig Polyscope Company at 93, Wardour Street, a thoroughfare which now, within its bounds, embraces many of our leading houses. Notwithstanding that the Company only transferred their operations from the old address in Gerrard Street to the new offices on Monday last we found all departments on the morning of that date sailing quite smoothly along as if te entire staff had been working there for days. Passing through the main doorway into the large general office one is at once impressed with the beautiful oak fittings and desks to correspond and the elaborate filing cabinets. Above the panelled portion the walls are finished in sanitary distemper and every department voices a complete regard for hygienic principles, the ventilation alone being designed by a well-known authority and in accordance with the needs of the building. So thoroughly is the latter feature carried out that fresh air is continually being pumped into each and every room. At the end of the general offices the sanctum of Mr. Ingram, the general manager, may be discerned, and along a tiled passage we come to the largest private showroom, where still further evidence of the excellent taste of the principal, Mr. E. H. Montagu, is to be seen. This wellfurnished and airy theatre, quite one of the best in the Trade, is panelled in wainscot oak with a white frieze for relief, the surroundings being such as will enable every comfort to viewers and exhibitors. A capital instance is afforded, by the way, of this consideration by the ininstallation of telephones in every department of the house. The chairs provided in the theatre are of the adjustable back rest variety, with solid oak frames and loose cushions, which will facilitate the necessary dusting and various periodical renewals. A second private showroom is also being prepared for special views. In the projection chamber there are two Simplex projectors, the chief operator being Mr. Kempster, a gentleman of lengthy experience, oe Digitized by Goc gle and formerly with the Kinemacolor Company. A splendidly designed rake ensures complete visibility and there should be no more popular private showrooms, both for comfort and for choice of subjects. There are, in addition, large poster and publicity departments, the whole of an unusually extensive ground floor and basement being utilised by the Selig organisation. A powerful Waygood passenger lift forms an additional convenience, and, in this connection, Mr. Montagu states that the upper floors will be let to suitable tenants. After a glance at the large film storage vaults, each holding half a million feet of various subjects, we noted, in passing, the excellent semiinverted lighting and the heating arrangements, then entered the cosy private offices of Mr. E. H. Montagu and found the popular chief installed amidst surroundings which once more bespoke the excellent taste so very evident throughout his headquarters. On the walls were to be noted large photographs of Mr. Wm. Selig, and of the popular film star, Miss Kathlyn Williams, these forming a portion of a veritable picture gallery of Selig artists in various parts of the building. Some slight idea of the size of the premises will be gained from the following facts. The depth of the building is 75 ft., with a frontage of 45 ft. The projection theatres are respectively 26 ft. by 13 ft. and 20 ft. by 11 ft., the screen in the first named being a special metallised surface g ft. in width. The larger showroom will be devoted to usual daily programmes and the smaller to special viewing. The projection arrangements and installation have been carried out by Will Day and a Siemens motor-generator =" Mr. (built at Stafford) of 4 h.p. with an output of 75 amperes at 60 volts will supply the arc lamps. The Selig Polyscope Company and their European agent, Mr. E. H. Montagu, are certainly deserving of our congratulations upon this latest addition to their organisation, which now includes branches at Paris, Copenhagen, Moscow, Barcelona and Buenos Aires. Original from NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY