Wrexham History Plan Restoration of Iconic Hippodrome Light

An iconic Art Deco light which was housed in a historic Wrexham cinema is to be resorted back to its former glory by a local history group.

The magnificent Art Deco light that adorned the dome in the Hippodrome ceiling was donated to Graham at Wrexham History by Mat Price who had it in his possession for the past 10 years.

The light is dirty, rusty and in need of rewiring and possibly a couple of panes may need replacing.  It’s a big light measuring around 58 inches across and ‘very heavy’.

Those who used to visit the cinema may remember that the light was suspended from a chain, with wire cable as back-up.  The chain was on a winch in the dome so it could be lowered to replace the bulbs and to be cleaned.

Mat was told by Barry Flanagan that the lamp itself came from the Gaumont Cinema Aintree, but we are told that there doesn’t seem to be such a cinema!  He has found a long list of Gaumont-owned cinemas in Liverpool, but finding photos, of the interiors with the light in its original position is proving difficult.

Following extensive research it is now believed that its original home was the Gaumont Palace Cinema in Anfield and was the centre-piece of the 2500 seater hall. The light is believed to have been made 1935 – 1937. It was removed from Liverpool around 1961 and was purchased by Barry Flanagan following a major refurbishment of the Gaumont Cinema.

Speaking about the light, Mat said “I would very much like to give it to be preserved for future generations to see, hopefully in working order sometime.”

Gaumont cinemas were very large and were taken over by Rank in the 30’s.  Some were eventually renamed Odeon.

Cinema construction was a big thing at that time.  For quite some time there were two Odeon’s a week opening!  Each new cinema trying to outdo the competition for style and modern decor.  Art deco fixtures and fittings were all the rage through the 30’s and cinemas seem to have really gone for this style.

The Future Plan

Wrexham History are planning to start the restoration in the next couple of weeks, we are hoping to team up with several local businesses to help with the cleaning, rewiring and supplying materials. There have already been some offers of help and services, but if anyone would like to get involved then please get it touch with Graham at [email protected]

You can follow the progress of the restoration on our dedicated Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/hippodromelight also on the Wrexham History website www.wrexham-history.co.uk

Following the lights full restoration Wrexham History will be look for a permanent home for the light were this iconic piece of Wrexham’s history can be seen by all for years to come.

Wrexham History are open to suggestions as to where the people of Wrexham would like to see the light hung.

*Thanks to Graham Lloyd from Wrexham History for the images and information featured above!