Glasgows Entertainments. Criticism at Moss Meeting.
Article detailing the criticisms levelled at Moss Empires, Ltd. during the annual shareholders meeting. Among the complaints was a perceived decline in quality of the companys entertainment venues, the success of which, according to the shareholders, was being steadily usurped by rival entertainment venues. The author of the article seems to support the views of the critics, as certain key phrases of the text, such asnot what it should be (in reference to the quality of Moss Empires Ltd. entertainment venues) have a larger font size and are emboldened.
Pickard's Papers project. Britannia Panopticon Music Hall Trust / University of Glasgow / Heritage Lottery Fund
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The Memorandum of Association of The Argyle Electric Theatre, Limited. offers a meticulous account of the terms and conditions regarding share ownership of the company. Interesting to note is the handwritten arithmetic on the far-right of the document, perhaps indicating that the owner of the prospectus was calculating the value of his/her own shares within the company.
Prospectus for Shares - Memorandum of Association.
Prospectus for Preference Shares in The Argyle Electric Theatre Limited, dated 27th June, 1910. This document describes, in detail, the proposed plan to acquire the halls behind Nos. 49 - 55 Argyle Street andconvert them into an Electric Picture Theatre, or Amusement Hall. The prospectus provides a wealth of architectural information about the property including a letter from a Property Valuator who describes the buildings materials and floor-area measurements, as well as a list of terms and conditions regarding the purchasing/owning of shares in the business.
Prospectus for Preference Shares in The Argyle Electric Theatre Limited. The prospectus provides a detailed run-down of how many shares it is possible to purchase at the time of its publishing, as well as information on how to pay for theseCumulative Participating Preference Shares.
The Argyle Electric Theatre, Limited. Form of Application for Preference Shares.
Application form for Preference Shares in The Argyle Electric Theatre, Limited. The form dictates that applicants must be willing to accept less than the amount of shares they originally applied for, perhaps suggesting the demand for shares of this kind.
Town Council Jottings is a very interesting piece of writing from the Evening Times. The piece consists of a narrator explaining the daily activities of a council official, recounted using very poetic, decorated language. It is unclear whether the piece is meant as a satire of the inner goings-on of the city council or as a genuine account of adays work. The obvious disdain towardsthe unemployed worm and apparent fear of a communist revolution seem too controversial to suggest the latter. Moreover, the piece begins with a reference tolast week which might indicate thatTown Council Jottings is part of a satirical serial.
Article from The Eagle detailing the Glasgow Corporations promotion of Superintendent William Waddell to the position of Chief of the City Fire Brigade. The article celebrates the illustrious career of Waddell, proposing that his promotion was very well deserved on account of his long tenure with the service and his varied list of professional achievements. It is also noted that this promotion of a local figure signifies a redemptive decision by the Glasgow Corporation who, according to the author, often ignore theunquestioned abilities of men in their own service and promotesome highly-recommended subordinate from another city.
I Sometimes Forget The Combination Pickard Tells Glasgow Court.
Article from the Evening Times describing the evidence Mr. Pickard gave in court relating to the theft of one of his personal safes, containing around £7000 and a first edition of Robert Burns. At the time of the court case Pickard was 87 years old yet according to the article he was full of humour about the incident andreplied to some of the questions in his characteristically pawky vein. Rather surprising is Pickards admission that, due to strict personal principle, he never revealed the combination of his safes to anyone, including his own wife, and was prone to temporarily forgetting the combinations.
Article describing in detail the features of Pickards new cinema at Shawlands Cross named The White Elephant. Interesting is the mention of the innovative new approaches the cinema takes in developing traditional cinema features. The cinemas seating, for example, is said to have replaced the standard springs under the velvet withlayers of fine rubber with shock absorbers below. The article also discloses that the new cinema houses two restaurants across two floors where one is still able to enjoy the music of the 11-person theatre orchestra, or if desired, use theneatly arranged shutters to mute the sound.
Bull In a Cinema. Sauchiehall Street Thrills.
Short, amusing article from the Evening News describing the excitement and alarm generated when a bull escaped from a transport float and entered the La Scala Picture-house. The article details the bulls dramatic adventure from its escape to its recapture, culminating with the humoroussuggestion that it was anxious to be the first in to seeMademoiselle from Armentieres, a film presumably being shown at the time in La Scala.
City Church Sold. Picture House To Be Built on Site.
Short article describing the sale, for £5150, of the Springbank U.F. Church on Maryhill Road, Glasgow, to an unnamed cinema theatre company who planned to build a cinema on the site. The journalist intimates that the Burnbank U.F. Church congregation insisted a condition of sale be the razing of the church building to the ground before any construction takes place, presumably to honour the sacred nature of the building.
Short article describing the introduction of the Amusement Tax. The article posits that, according to a claim by Mr. A.E. Pickard, the first person in the UK to pay the tax was Master Hugh Brown, who, upon paying the entry fee to the American Museum on the 15th of May, 1916, was given a £1 note to honour the occasion. The article also features a cartoon which depicts an elegantly dressed, cigar-smoking Pickard handing the note over to an excited young Master Brown, with the caption below reading:Wed gladly pay our taxes down, if wed the luck of Master Brown.
Evening Times weekly review of the Casino cinemas programme. Notable is the mention of a screening of Charlie Chaplins Charlie at Work, described by the journalist asa screamer from beginning to end.
Newspaper advert for a film showing at the Townhead Casino cinema entitledQuo Vadis?. The advert goes into detail in conveying the high production value of the film and the critical acclaim it has received. For example, according to the author of the advert the film features2000 players and675 scenes, and is apparentlyrecognised as a masterpiece of film production. This level of descriptive detail is a common tactic of cinematic advertising of this period, where impressive statistics are used as a means of generating excitement for the film amongst audiences.
Newspaper advert for agreat picture exclusive at the Townhead Casino cinema: a four-reel film entitledThe Jockey of Death. According to the advert, the film was being shown on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday only of the week commencing November 15th, 1915.
Short article describing the weekly programme of Pickards Casino cinema. The main attraction is detailed as a film entitledThe Tragedy in the Life of General Villa, an epic said to containmany vivid battle scenes and whose production involved the use of500 horses and 200 cannon.
Short article detailing the weekly programme of The Casino. Most interesting is the mention of an attraction entitled Dalmeres Table Circus, which is said to feature performingcats, dogs, doves and monkeys. Also mentioned is the screening of a film namedThe Suicide. Though the grim title suggests a film of a sombre nature, the screening is said to haveprovided much laughter, suggesting it is a dark comedy.
St. James Hall Picture Palace Privilege Ticket
Privilege Ticket stub admitting entry to the balcony area of the St. James Hall Picture Palace on Stirling Road, Glasgow.
Short article describing the weekly programme of Pickards Casino cinema. Most notable is the mention of a film being screened, entitledOrders Under Seal, an epic drama whose film spans over 6000 feet in length and has a 90 minute running time. Described asovershadowing the other attractions on the programme that week, the author of the article claims that the filmshould be seen by everybody who appreciates a good drama.
Savoy Variety and Pictures Complimentary Ticket
Complimentary Ticket stub admitting half-price entry to the Savoy Variety and Pictures establishment on the corner of Renfrew Street and Hope Street, Glasgow.
Short article explaining how Pickard agreed to help raise money for the Relief Fund by kicking off a charity football match between the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society and the Co-operative Drapery and Furnishing Department at Ibrox Park. The article also describes how Pickard decided to wear a kilt for the occasion, displaying the tartan of hisforefathers, the Clan Gordon.
The Palace Theatre of Varieties Complimentary Ticket
Pink Complimentary Ticket stub admitting entry to The Palace Theatre of Varieties on the Main Street in Gorbals, Glasgow. According to the ticket, the establishment was then under new management.
Greens Round Toll Picturedrome Stalls Entry Ticket
Ticket stub admitting to the stalls area of Greens Round Toll Picturedrome on Possil Road, Glasgow. Most interesting here is the disclaimer found near the bottom of the ticket, which reads:As a means of excluding undesirable persons from the use of this Pass, One Penny will be charged each person on presenting this Ticket at the Pay Box. The exclusion of persons based on financial status indicates the somewhat elitist attitude possessed by those who operated cinemas during this period.
Short article detailing a humorous mix-up with the newspapers birth column. The article describes how Pickard had recently announced his 40th birthday through the column, however, afirm of patent food experts mistakenly took this as an announcement of Pickards birth and proceeded to send their companys circulars to Mrs Pickard in the hope of gaining her business.
Short article describing the grand occasion of Pickards birthday, celebrated at the Panopticon and attended by a great number of guests. The article also details how Pickard received184 telegrams of congratulation… wishing him continued health and prosperity, as well as mentioning thehandsome dressing case he was given as a birthday present from the associated managers of the establishment.
Short description of the weekly programme at Pickards Casino cinema, referencing a three-part film entitledThe Clue of the Broken Finger as thechief attraction of the picture houses entertainment that week.
Brief account of the Casino cinemas weekly programme, notable for the inclusion of the amusingly titledFun in a Chinese Laundry: agenuinely humorous acrobat sketch by comedy duo Sydney and Hobart.
Complimentary Ticket admitting entry of one person to the family circle area of Princesss Theatre, Glasgow. Most interesting here is the fact that the ticket has been date-stamped with blue ink, as well as a second time with a stamp readingSECOND HOUSE. The former indicates that the ticket was used on Wednesday, June 11th, 1913.
Short account of the weekly programme of Pickards Casino cinema. Most notable is a reference to the popularity of the song and dance group Wilsons Eight Jolly Juveniles, who, according to the journalist, aremeeting with great success for their performances.
Mr A.E. Pickard Honoured by City Carters.
Short article explaining how the Glasgow Horse and Motormens Union bestowed anilluminated address upon Mr Pickard and gave his wife a gold bracelet, for the services he provided the city carters with during their strike. The article explains how Pickard allowed the strikers to use the Panopticon for meetings as well as providing them with entertainment on such occasions. This article could be seen as evidence of the good reputation Pickard seemed to enjoy with the working classes of Glasgow during this period.
Dennistoun Picture Palladium Entry Ticket (Matinee).
Ticket admitting entry to the School Childrens Matinee performance at the Dennistoun Picture Palladium on Hillfoot Street, Glasgow. The ticket states that matinee performances would take place every Saturday at 3pm, with doors opening at 2.30pm.
The Man, The Show, The Company: A.E. Pickard'.
Newspaper advert proclaiming the successes of Pickards five Glasgow attractions: the Casino, the Panopticon, the Ibrox Palace, the Clydebank Theatre, and the Waxwork at the Trongate. The venues are listed and each is given a brief, bombastic account of its successes, with the Waxwork in particular noted as beingacknowledged by all to be THE BIG SHOW of the city withover one million novelties and sights.
The Millionaires Gratitude: A Tale In One Spasm.
Short story entitledThe Millionaires Gratitude which seems to be a somewhat autobiographical account of Pickards life. In the story, an affluent, well-dressed man approaches a poor old lady and explains how the generosity she showed him many years earlier resulted in his prosperous future. The story culminates in the millionaire repaying her kindness by giving her two free passes to the Panopticon.
Newspaper cutting describing the weekly programme of the Casino cinema. Most notable is the mention of a performer named Mile Romany, alady handcuff manipulator whose act might nowadays be termedescape artist. The article describes the astonishment of audiences upon witnessing Romany escape fromall manner of manacles.
Aeroplane for Glasgow: Mr A.E. Pickards Enterprises.
Short article describing Pickards purchase of a monoplane at auction. Pickard is described as battlingspirited competition from fellow bidders in order to emerge successful during the auction. The article also describes Pickards wish to apply for permission to take his new aircraft on small flights from Glasgow Green.
Short newspaper clipping from the Glasgow News detailing a list of performances taking place at the Casino. Most notable is the mention of aspecialty act by performer Max Merlin entitledThe Human Crocodile. The performance is described as showcasing amazing acts of acrobatic prowess which were extremely well received by Casino patrons.
Short newspaper cutting from the Observer describing the weekly programme of the Casino. Mentioned are the performances of Will Starr,the chocolate-coloured comedian and dancer and Cissie Norton,the popular male impersonator. Though an appraisal of his talents,the description of the formers skin colour is indicative of the often problematic racial attitudes inherent within journalism of this period.
Short article detailing the enormous success of each of Pickards cinemas: the Casino, The Panopticon, the Clydebank Gaiety and the Ibrox Picture Palace. In particular, the luxurious interior of the Casino is celebrated, being described asamong the cosiest and most comfortable halls in St.Mungo. The article also mentions Mr Christie Grant, the manager of the Casino, describing his popularity among picture-goers as avery…courteous manager.
St. James Hall Picture Palace Entry Ticket.
Green ticket stub admitting one persons entry upon payment of one penny to the audience area or balcony of St. James Hall Picture Palace on Stirling Road, Glasgow. Ticket states that children under the age of 14 are unable to use this ticket, indicating that another ticket, perhaps of a different colour or design was available for concessions.
BP15 Inside front cover (BP15.1) Scrapbook page
Various newspaper cuttings about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema, dating from between May and June, 1912. Also included are tickets admitting entry to St. James' Hall Picture Palace and Hengler's.
Newspaper cutting about Moss Empires Ltd.
Newspaper cutting about the town council.
Newspaper cutting about the Chief of City Fire Brigade (Glasgow) William Waddell.
Newspaper cutting about the break in and theft of a safe from A.E. Pickard
Two newspaper articles in The Evening News about the opening of a new cinema called The White Elephant located at Shawlands Cross.
Newspaper cuttings about A.E. Pickard, his businesses, exhibits, and publicity stunts. Also present is an article about an escaped bull in Glasgow entering a city cinema before being recaptured.
Newspaper cuttings about the sale of a church in Glasgow, a Lottery Acts case, and a photograph of the Three Arts Ball in Covent Garden.
Newspaper cuttings about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema. Also included is a cartoon from The Bioscope depicting the introduction of the Amusement Tax in 1916, as well as an article which discusses a controversial ruling by the Sheriff Court at Dumbarton relating to the Rent Restriction Acts.
Newspaper cuttings about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema, dating from between January and March, 1916.
Newspaper cuttings about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema dating from between November 1915 and January, 1916. Included are several articles celebrating the November release of a film entitled 'The Jockey of Death', said to contain "splendid circus scenes" and a "thrilling story."
Newspaper cuttings from the Evening Times and The Citizen about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema dating from between August and November, 1915.
Newspaper cuttings about the programme of A.E. Pickard, dating from between June and August, 1915. Included are articles detailing the programme of his Casino Cinema as well as an article from the Evening Times celebrating the programmes of all four of Pickard's music halls: The Casino, The Panopticon, The Seamore and The Gaiety.
Newspaper cuttings from the Evening Times, The Glasgow News and The Citizen about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema, dating from between April and June, 1915.
Newspaper cuttings from the Evening Times, The Glasgow News and The Citizen about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema. Also included is a Privilege Ticket admitting entry to the balcony area for a screening at the St. James Hall Picture Palace.
Newspaper cuttings from the Evening Times, The Glasgow News and The Citizen about the programme of A.E Pickard's Casino Cinema dating from between December 1914 and February 1915.
Newspaper cuttings about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema. Also included is a Complimentary Ticket admitting conditional half-price entry to the Savoy Variety and Picture house.
Newspaper cuttings from the Evening Times, The Glasgow News and The Citizen about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema. Also included is a photograph of Pickard wearing a kilt and a short Glasgow News Article explaining how he is the special guest set to kick-off a football match at Ibrox Park designed to generate money for the Relief Fund.
Newspaper cuttings from the Evening Times, The Glasgow News and The Citizen about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema. Also included is a Complimentary ticket admitting conditional entry to the Palace Theatre of Varieties located on the Main Street of the Gorbals.
Newspaper cuttings from the Evening Times, The Citizen and The Glasgow News about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema. Also included are tickets admitting entry to the Empress Picture and Variety Playhouse and Green's Round Toll Picturedrome.
Newspaper cuttings from the Evening Times, The Citizen and The Glasgow News about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema. Also included is a short article from The Times describing an amusing incident involving the mistaken case of Pickard's date of birth.
Newspaper cuttings from the Evening Times, The Glasgow News and The Citizen about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema, dating from between January and March, 1914.
Newspaper cuttings from the Evening Times, The Glasgow News and The Citizen about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema dating from between November 1913 and January 1914.
Newspaper cuttings from The Citizen, The Glasgow News and the Evening Times about the programme of A.E Pickard's Casino Cinema, dating from between September and November, 1913.
Newspaper cuttings from The Glasgow News, The Citizen and the Evening Times about the programme of A.E Pickard's Casino Cinema, dating from between July and September, 1913. Also included is a complimentary ticket granting admission to the family circle area of Princess's Theatre as well as a ticket to the school children's matinee at the Partick Star Palace.
Cuttings from various different newspapers about the programme of A.E Pickard's Casino Cinema, dating from between May and July, 1913.
Cuttings from various different newspapers about the programme of A.E Pickard's Casino Cinema, dating from between March and May, 1913. Also included is an article from The Glasgow News detailing Pickard being honoured by the city carters for allowing them to use the Panopticon for meetings during their strike and providing them with entertainment on such occasions.
Cuttings from various different newspapers about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema, dating from between February and March, 1913. Also included is a ticket admitting entry to an attraction at the Springburn Electric Theatre, as well as a ticket to the school children's matinee at the Dennistoun Picture Palladium.
Cuttings from various different newspapers about the programme of A.E. Pickard, across several of his performance venues. Also included are two tickets admitting entry to performances at Langham Picture Halls, as well as a Privilege Ticket admitting half price entry to Pringle's Bijou Palace in Cowcaddens.
Newspaper cuttings about the programme of A.E Pickard's Casino Cinema, dating from between December 1912 and January 1913. Also included is a ticket admitting entry to the Dennistoun Picture Palladium, as well as a short story entitled 'The Millionaire's Gratitude' published in the Evening Times.
Newspaper cuttings from the Evening Times, The Citizen and The Glasgow News about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema, dating from between October and December, 1912.
Various newspaper cuttings from the Evening Times, The Citizen and The Glasgow News about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema, dating from between September and October, 1912. Also included is an article detailing Pickard's purchase of a monoplane at auction, as well as articles relating to the 1 year anniversary of The Casino.
Newspaper cuttings from The Glasgow News and The Citizen about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema, dating from between August and September, 1912. Also included are tickets admitting entry to various picture houses, including the Star Palace in Partick and the Palace Theatre in Kilmarnock.
Newspaper cuttings from The Glasgow News, The Observer and The Citizen about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema, dating from between July and August, 1912.
Newspaper cuttings from The Citizen, The Glasgow News and The Observer about the programme of A.E. Pickard's Casino Cinema, dating from between June and July, 1912. Also included is an article chronicling the successes of Pickard's various enterprises.