Wakefield in West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

The Picture House

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 16, 2025

1. The Picture House Marker

Inscription. Built by theatre impresario Sydney Tolfree to a design by Manchester architect Albert Winstanley, this was Wakefield's first purpose-built cinema, opening on 22nd December 1913.

There was seating for 1,480 patrons. The name was soon changed to the playhouse when stage performances were introduced. The building was refurbished in 1921 with the introduction of a cinema organ. It became the classic cinema in the 1970s and then a nightclub in 1978.

Erected 2022 by Wakefield Civic Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is December 22, 1913.

Location. 53° 40.93′ N, 1° 30.112′ W. Marker is in Wakefield, England, in West Yorkshire. It is on Westgate, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 84 Westgate, Wakefield, England WF1 1XQ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in England’s Yorkshire & The Humber.

Globally, it is in the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Edmonstone Women 'Conservationists' (a few steps from this marker); Bank House (a few steps from this marker); Wakefield's First Purpose-Built Bank (a few steps from this marker); Wakefield's Wool Market (within shouting distance of this marker); Ann Hurst (1772-1832) (about 90 meters

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

away, measured in a direct line); Shades Inn on Silver Street (about 180 meters away); 1-3 Wood Street (about 180 meters away); Market Cross on Cross Square (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wakefield.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 16, 2025

2. The Picture House Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 5, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.