Kirkstall in the 1930s: Abbey Picture House and Star & Garter in focus

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 2nd May 2023, 04:45 BST

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This Kirkstall landmark lifts the curtain on a gallery of gems from around the suburb in the 1930s.

Abbey Picture House on Abbey Road had become been welcoming movie goers for more than two decades when this photo was taken in August 1937. The 520 seat cinema boated an orchestral balcony with music provided by piano and violin. It is one of 12 photos turning the spotlight on LS5 during the 10 years dubbed the ‘Devil's Decade’ owing to high unemployment and the slide into war. 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: Photo gems take you down Kirkstall Road in the 1960s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

It closed on October 8, 1960. The last film shown was 'Idle on Parade' with William Bendix. Now a bingo hall.

1. Kirkstall in the 1930s

It closed on October 8, 1960. The last film shown was 'Idle on Parade' with William Bendix. Now a bingo hall. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The junction with Abbey Road and Kirkstall Lane in 1938

2. Kirkstall in the 1930s

The junction with Abbey Road and Kirkstall Lane in 1938 Photo: Third Party

The Star and Garter Hotel on Bridge Road pictured in July 1938. The name comes from the Order of the Garter of which the star is part of the insignia.

3. Kirkstall in the 1930s

The Star and Garter Hotel on Bridge Road pictured in July 1938. The name comes from the Order of the Garter of which the star is part of the insignia. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The public library and police station on Abbey Road in July 1938. Also in view is a drinking fountain, telephone box, car, traffic lights, factory chimney and advertising hoardings.

4. Kirkstall in the 1930s

The public library and police station on Abbey Road in July 1938. Also in view is a drinking fountain, telephone box, car, traffic lights, factory chimney and advertising hoardings. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The junction of Church Lane with Morris Lane in July 1934. On the Corner is a two storey out building with a stone walled enclosed garden with a house just visible beyond. Church Lane is now called Park Mount although it is still often referred to by its former name.

5. Kirkstall in the 1930s

The junction of Church Lane with Morris Lane in July 1934. On the Corner is a two storey out building with a stone walled enclosed garden with a house just visible beyond. Church Lane is now called Park Mount although it is still often referred to by its former name. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The Thrift store on Morris lane at the junction with Station Parade in August 1935. The chain of shops was founded by James Popplewell of Holbeck. There are displays of hardware, tinned goods, bread and cakes in the windows. The exterior of the shop has been upgraded with new signs and tiling under the windows. To the right is William Greaves butcher. This street is Glebe Avenue. There are bicycles outside the Thrift Store and a car in the road.

6. Kirkstall in the 1930s

The Thrift store on Morris lane at the junction with Station Parade in August 1935. The chain of shops was founded by James Popplewell of Holbeck. There are displays of hardware, tinned goods, bread and cakes in the windows. The exterior of the shop has been upgraded with new signs and tiling under the windows. To the right is William Greaves butcher. This street is Glebe Avenue. There are bicycles outside the Thrift Store and a car in the road. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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