Brighton’s Duke of York's cinema is launching its centenary celebrations with a nationwide hunt to find the quirkiest memories of the UK's oldest cinema.
The Brighton institution celebrates 100 years of continuous screening on September 22 this year and the project aims to find 100 sound or film clips of memories – one for each year of its operation.
The Duke of York’s Community Archive Project aims to build a physical archive of social snapshots from across the past century using ticket stubs, film posters, press clippings and old photographs.
"For me, the Duke of York's represents a very important home for cultural cinema," said Frank Gray, Director of Screen Archive South East and the University of Brighton.
"Unlike most cinemas which only focus on the new, the popular and the American, the Duke represents that other place; the place where you see films from the rest of the world as well as archive films and work made by artists.
"As such, it serves as a real beacon for cultural cinema. This is what I value and treasure."
Brighton's Duke of York's celebrates 100 years of continuous screenings in September 2010. Courtesy Duke of York's
A special Show and Tell night will be held at the Jubilee Library on March 18, launching the search for the best movie memorabilia.
Duke of York's fans are encouraged to wear black and white tights in honour of the famous stripy-legged statue.
Famous patrons of the much-loved filmhouse include musician and occasional film star Nick Cave and actor, director and screenwriter Paddy Considine, and famous visitors have included Mike Leigh, Ken Loach, the Coen brothers and Michael Moore.
The Duke of York's Community Archive Project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is seeking an army of volunteers to help gather as many memories as possible in advance of the theatre's birthday.
Those who are interested in volunteering for the project or have memories they would like to contribute should call 01273 641947, email info@dukeofyorkscinema.co.uk or visit the website.
