The changing story of the Odeon site on Blossom Street
A talk by Jenny Collieson
Our next talk is on Friday 25 September 2026 at 7.45pm in Clements Hall.
Please note our doors will be open at 7.30 pm.
The distinctive classic Art Deco style of the Odeon Cinema on Blossom Street has made it one of York’s landmark 20th century buildings since its opening in 1937. Over the past 90 years it has survived a number of different owners, many renovations and a period of closure but remains an active film venue under The Everyman banner.
However, as our research for the book shows, the Odeon site was a location for popular entertainment before the cinema was built with the establishment of the popular Crescent Café and Danse Hall in the early 1920s. Prior to this two large private houses with extensive grounds can be seen on the mid 19th century map at this end of the North West side of Blossom Street before the development of The Crescent.
One of these houses became the residence of a prominent York Quaker, Fielden Thorp who was also the Headmaster of Bootham School.
This talk will look at the fascinating history of the Odeon site, its change of use from a residential to commercial location and some of the stories of the people who lived and worked there.
n 2026 we're offering two types of membership: Full Membership at £10 pa (with free entry to all talks) Online Membership at £5 pa (with links provided to recordings of our talks). This is useful for members who live elsewhere, or who are housebound Non-members are very welcome to come, paying £3 per talk. To join us please contact our Membership Secretary by email chlhg.membership@gmail.com or leave a message at Clements Hall on 01904 466086
There are a small number of free parking spaces near Clements Hall. It is also easily accessible by buses stopping in Blossom Street (walk along Moss Street opposite the Everyman Cinema).
