AN exhibition on one of the country’s oldest purpose-built cinemas has opened in East Finchley library.

The Phoenix Cinema in High Road, East Finchley was built in 1910 and is running the touring exhibition as part of its centenary celebrations.

The display gives an insight into the history of The Phoenix as well as its former local competitors such as the North Finchley Gaumont which was demolished in the 1980s.

The Phoenix opened in 1912 when there were eight cinemas in the area.

By 1938 when the building was redeveloped, it was competing with 15 cinemas many of which were owned by chains such as Gaumont and Odeon.

Today the cinema is one of only five in the area and has recently benefitted from a £1.1 million restoration.

Eleanor Sier, heritage officer at The Phoenix, said: “I hope the display will encourage local residents who haven’t been to The Phoenix recently to come and see how it looks after the restoration and have a free behind the scenes tour or enjoy a coffee in the new café.”

The free exhibition is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It will run until Thursday, April 28, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm; on Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 8pm and on Saturdays from 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.

For more information contact East Finchley Library in High Road on 020 8359 3815.