When the Astoria Cinema flung open its doors in Kittybrewster 90 years ago, it was the most modern cinema Aberdeen had ever seen. Its avant-garde, clean Art Deco lines were in stark contrast to the grubby, old agriculture buildings around it. Opening in December 1934, the 2060-seat venue was a trailblazer for cinema design in Scotland.
Astoria was Art Deco super cinema It was a “super cinema” built on a vast site called Central Park in Kittybrewster, just north of Kittybrewster Auction Marts. It was Aberdeen’s only suburban cinema, and in the days before multiplex – at a cost of almost £3 million – no expense was spared. Unmistakably Deco, the cinema was another vision of the Aberdeen architect T Scott Sutherland.
His plans described how the imposing granite facade was “built on sumptuous lines”, while inside, viewers would enjoy the latest in screen technology. Everything for the luxurious Astoria, except the organ sound equipment, was built or handmade in Aberdeen to the tune of £40,000 (£2,927,595 in today’s money). Cinema dazzled under neon lights The whole frontage was electrifying – illuminated day and night in blue, yellow, green and orange neon lighting.
Nicknamed ‘liquid fire’, the spectacular neon lighting continued under the canopy and into the foyer. It was the first cinema of its kind in Scotland to pioneer such a dazzling display. The huge foyer was akin to the entrance to a grand mansion with walnut panelling.
Stepping into the “lofty.