Rex Cinema on the Ring Road welcomed generations of movie-goers from LS11 and beyond. The cinema, which boasted seating for 1,350 people, had only been open three months when this photo was taken in May 1939. It closed in February 1976 with Apple Dumpling Gang and Sword in the Stone the last films to be shown before it was demolished to make way for a housing estate. The photo is one of 18 which showcase life in Beeston during the 1930s and feature a range of local landmarks and streets familiar to generations of people who called the suburb home down the years. They are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: 19 photos to take you back to Beeston in the 1940s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTAGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
1. Beeston in the 1930s
Enjoy these photo memories from around Beeston in the 1930s. PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Beeston in the 1930s
Dewsbury Road congregational church pictured in July 1939. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Beeston in the 1930s
Burns Chemist on junction of Old Lane and Dewsbury Road in April 1936. A weighing machine can be seen outside shop on pavement. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Beeston in the 1930s
The property of Percy Bickerdike, masseur, on Beeston Road, adjacent to Cross Flatts Park, in July 1936. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Beeston in the 1930s
The ironmongery business of J.W. Pennington on the Ring Road pictured in June 1937. Tools, wood and goods can be seen displayed in shop window and on the pavement outside. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Beeston in the 1930s
Midland Bank on corner of Malvern Road and Beeston Road in June 1938. To left of the picture can be seen Brookdale Place with a pub on corner. Next to Midland Bank is Maypole Dairy Co. Ltd., with striped awning outside. A man is about to cross the road. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net