Description

1932-3, A Marshall Mackenzie (reworking of 1927-31 plans by Clement George - see Notes). 3-storey, asymmetrical cinema. Steel frame with polished granite frontage. Three tall windows to 2nd and 3rd floor above central canopied entrance. Small sculpted panels above with 'CAPITOL' inscription and simplified Art-Deco pediment. Flanked by 2 bays to the left and three to the right. Shops (429 and 433) on each side of entrance. Door (433) to store above 433. Side and rear walls of brick.

INTERIOR: Information from www.scottishcinemas.org.uk: auditorium divided horizontally into night club upstairs and bar/restaurant below and the original proscenium arch has been retained.

Statement of Interest

The bold geometric styling of the former Capitol Cinema adds considerable interest to the streetscape. The first cinema in Scotland to use the Holophane colour lighting system as an integral part of the design, the Capitol was one of the most lavishly appointed cinema interiors of its day. Renowned Aberdeen architect, Marshall Mackenzie modernised and re-styled earlier plans by local architect Clement George who was removed from the project due to failing health. Mackenzie was also responsible for the extensive additions to Marischal College in 1905 - see separate listing. The Capitol replaced an earlier smaller picture house. Its proposed rebuilding is mentioned in The Builder 1927, p627. The cinema adjoins 423, 425 Union Street (see separate listing) extending back to Justice Mill Lane.

References and Notes updated as part of Cinemas Thematic Study 2007-08

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Capitol Theatre at Wikipedia
• Wikidata Q5035936

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Cambridgeshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Somerset: North and Bristol: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Gloucestershire 2: The Vale and The Forest of Dean: Vale and Forest of Dean Pt. 2 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Specifications for Building Conservation: Volume 1: External Structure: Practical Examples v. 2
• 
  London 1: The City of London: City of London v. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Period Property Manual (New Ed)