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Hidden Cinema
In summer 2019, Historic England partnered with The Village Screen on Hidden Cinema, exclusive film screenings in two unique, recently restored historic buildings.
Oxford House in Bethnal Green, London and Moseley Community Hub at the School of Art in Birmingham were on the Heritage at Risk Register, at risk of being lost forever, until they were rescued and restored through work supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.
Hidden Cinema gave audiences in Birmingham and London the chance to see these fantastic hidden venues for the first time. Films included Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, and family favourites Dumbo and Moana.
About Oxford House
The 135 year old Grade II listed venue, with its beautiful gothic and Neo-Jacobean features, was the first “settlement house”, where students from Keble College Oxford could undertake residential volunteering and learn about crippling urban poverty.
It was placed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2017 due to the poor condition of the roof and need to carry out urgent works. Refurbishment works – including a new café, roof terrace and the restoration of the unique, wood panelled Victorian chapel – were completed in summer 2019. It now functions as a multipurpose community and arts centre.
About Moseley School of Art
The 120 year old Grade II* listed venue functioned as an art school for 75 years and was one of the leading art schools in the area. Its alumni included early Pop artist Peter Phillips, the musician Roy Wood and Fleetwood Mac musician Christine McVie.
Like Oxford House, this iconic building was at risk of being lost forever, but through work supported by Historic England it has been rescued and re-purposed. It opened its doors once again in May 2019 this year as a community hub for future generations to enjoy.
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