Arthur Wilde was the projectionist at the Theatre Royal in Hyde for over 35 years and when the cinema closed down Arthur became the caretaker of the building until ill health two years ago forced him to give up the theatre all together. Arthur had worked at a lot of the cinemas in the Hyde, Denton and Ashton areas. He knew a lot about the Theatre Royal Hyde and his knowledge of local cinemas was vast.
I took this photo of him in 2007 at the Heritage Open Day - see more photos of the theatre at http://www.geraldengland.co.uk/gx/royal.htm.
There are some photos on Arthur on the Hyde, Cheshire blog and another of him outside the theatre in 2010 on Hyde DP Xtra.
I wish I could tell you more about him but I can't.
A contribution to The Weekend in Black and White.
Great B&W post, very interesting to read the story of this man. Great photos from the theater too!
ReplyDeleteA portrait full of character! At least Arthur is remembered.
ReplyDeleteA real Cinema Paradiso
ReplyDeleteIt's a pity such a beautiful theatre is now closed
DeleteWonderful photo and portrait!
ReplyDelete