It was a decade which brought the curtain down on two decades of cinema history on the much loved city centre street. The Rialto opened in April 1911 as the Picture House. The 600-seat cinema boasted 'Wedgewood and Jacobean Tea Lounges', 'a beautifully designed tea room for the ladies, a smoke room for the men'. It became the Rialto in February 1927 and closed in March 1939 before being demolished to make way for the new Marks and Spencer store. These 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: 14 historic picture postcards offer 'greetings from Leeds' LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTAL;GIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Briggate in the 1930s
Enjoy these photo memories showcasing life on Briggate in the 1930s. PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Briggate in the 1930s
Shops on Briggate in March 1938. Pictured, from left, is Lyons and Co. Ltd; Bull and Bell yard; Rialto Cinema; Frank's Optician's; T.C.Palmer; Thornton's Ltd; and Mansfield and sons Ltd. Down the middle of the road can be seen bus/tram shelters. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Briggate in the 1930s
Thornton and Co. India Rubber manufacturers. This was the site of the last bow-window on Briggate, Buck and Jackson. It was demolished in 1922 and replaced by Thorntons. Designed by S.D. Kitson, the pillared frontage used Burmantofts Marmo imitation marble. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Briggate in the 1930s
The junction with Kirkgate showing the Cyprus Cafe in March 1936. Stead and Simpson, shoe shop; Hitchin's Curtains, with new fascia; Richard Shops, ladies outfitter; Smarts, house furnishers; The Victory Hotel. There are tram stops in the central reservation. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Briggate in the 1930s
Burton Tailors in March 1938. From the left is Burtons Arcade, previously known as the George and Dragon Yard. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Briggate in the 1930s
Shops on Briggate in March 1936. Pictured, from left is Watson Cairns, Direct Woollen Co, Royal Hotel, Lamberts Chambers. Entrance to Bowers Yard and Whip public house can also be seen. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net