Object of the Month – October 2024
This month’s object is a vintage cinema projector.
It was used for many years in the Westway Cinema in Cork Street, probably from when the cinema opened in 1970.
This model (2001 – A73) was manufactured by Westrex Co. Ltd. in the late 1960s and was designed for 35mm films. It is heavy and cumbersome and would have been replaced at the earliest opportunity by Westway, probably when the large cinema hall was converted to three screens. Digital cinema became widespread in the 2000s, making film projection obsolete.
This projector was acquired by the museum at auction, and currently has pride of place in the temporary exhibition exploring the history of Frome cinemas.
The History of Cinema in Frome – 5 September-16 November
Our autumn exhibition recounts the history of Frome’s cinemas.
Since about 1890, five picture houses have been open at different times in Frome, all within half a mile of the Market Place.
The history of of these cinemas, from Bray’s in Vicarage Street to the Westway in Cork Street, tells a fascinating story.
100 Years of Frome Memorial Theatre – 15 October – 16 November
Frome Memorial Hall was opened in 1924, built by public subscription in memory of those from Frome and the surrounding areas who died in the Great War.
Over the years the site has been a theatre, a cinema, a dancehall and an events venue.
As the site of the war memorial, a statue of a soldier manufactured by JW Singer of Frome and erected in 1922, it is also the town’s focus for remembrance events.
Visit our new exhibition to find out more about its fascinating history.
Calling all researchers!
Following several years of development by a team of expert volunteers, the museum’s new online collections catalogue, with tens of thosands of records covering the history of Frome, is now available to all public researchers.
Accessible online via this website, Axiell Collections is faster in terms of searches and downloads than the previous system and will futureproof the museum with its ability to supports new technical developments in the future.
Together with this year’s refreshed branding and new approach to exhibitions and events, it strengthens the museum’s reputation as one of the most advanced small museums in the south west.