25 beautiful photos take you back to Beeston in the 1930s

These wonderful photos provide a fascinating glimpse into life around Beeston in the 1930s.

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 7th Jan 2024, 04:45 BST

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It was a decade which featured entertainment for the masses thanks to the opening of the Rex cinema in the heart of the community, a movie theatre which would go on to thrill film buffs for years to come. The gallery also brings into focus well-known streets such as Dewsbury Road, Old Lane and Elland Road. The images 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: 41 brilliant photos take you back to Beeston in the early 2000s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Rex Cinema on the Ring Road was designed by AV Montague and built by Mathews and sons of Leeds. There was seating for 1,350 people. It opened on February 13, 1939, with the screening of 'We're going to be rich' starring Gracie Fields and Victor McLaglan. It closed in February 1976, the last films were 'Apple Dumpling Gang' and 'Sword in the Stone' The cinema was demolished for the building of a housing estate. In this front view the film advertised is 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

1. Beeston in the 1930s

Rex Cinema on the Ring Road was designed by AV Montague and built by Mathews and sons of Leeds. There was seating for 1,350 people. It opened on February 13, 1939, with the screening of 'We're going to be rich' starring Gracie Fields and Victor McLaglan. It closed in February 1976, the last films were 'Apple Dumpling Gang' and 'Sword in the Stone' The cinema was demolished for the building of a housing estate. In this front view the film advertised is 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Shops on Dewsbury Road at the junction with Old Lane. The corner building contains three separate business premises. Hemingway seems to have been a sweet shop, tobacconists, draper, dry cleaner and a lending library. Burns was a chemist, whilst upstairs was Barry's Hairdressers. There is a Thrift Store in the next block. Pictured in April 1935.

2. Beeston in the 1930s

Shops on Dewsbury Road at the junction with Old Lane. The corner building contains three separate business premises. Hemingway seems to have been a sweet shop, tobacconists, draper, dry cleaner and a lending library. Burns was a chemist, whilst upstairs was Barry's Hairdressers. There is a Thrift Store in the next block. Pictured in April 1935. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Chatswood Avenue, a cul-de-sac off Old Lane pictured in April 1935. Between the houses can be seen the factory of Forgrove Machinery, wrapping machinery manufacturers. The Forgrove works was between numbers 430 and 434, Dewsbury Road.

3. Beeston in the 1930s

Chatswood Avenue, a cul-de-sac off Old Lane pictured in April 1935. Between the houses can be seen the factory of Forgrove Machinery, wrapping machinery manufacturers. The Forgrove works was between numbers 430 and 434, Dewsbury Road. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Benjamin Riley's Grocer Shop at 27-31 Cardinal Road. Business had recently been extended to include double fronted shop on the right. Pictured in September 1938.

4. Beeston in the 1930s

Benjamin Riley's Grocer Shop at 27-31 Cardinal Road. Business had recently been extended to include double fronted shop on the right. Pictured in September 1938. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Underwood's Bakery on Theodore Street pictured in January 1939. There are advertising signs for Hovis and Turog bread. There are goods in the window. Part of the end of Back Barkly Terrace can be seen.

5. Beeston in the 1930s

Underwood's Bakery on Theodore Street pictured in January 1939. There are advertising signs for Hovis and Turog bread. There are goods in the window. Part of the end of Back Barkly Terrace can be seen. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Advertising hoardings on Dewsbury Road in September 1932. They are, from left, The Sunday Times, Carnation Milk, Sunlight Soap, Heinz Soups, Bass Beer, Blackpool Illuminations, Beeston Picture House, Birds Custard, Capstan Cigarettes, Nestles Milk, Palethorpes Sausages and Guinness.

6. Beeston in the 1930s

Advertising hoardings on Dewsbury Road in September 1932. They are, from left, The Sunday Times, Carnation Milk, Sunlight Soap, Heinz Soups, Bass Beer, Blackpool Illuminations, Beeston Picture House, Birds Custard, Capstan Cigarettes, Nestles Milk, Palethorpes Sausages and Guinness. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Beeston The Secret Library Leeds Elland Road