External images
As a cinema
Excerpt describing the frontage from the Opening Night Souvenir Programme - 24th December 1928
"It is, however, the superstructure which really delights and pleases. “ Imposing ” is the appropriate word to use regarding the external aspect. The main façade, which is Greek in character, disposing to the Modernist influence, has been carried out in light Terra Cotta, so that if dignified and beautiful by day, it is naturally adapted for Scientific flood-lighting and, when illuminated, presents a most arresting and inviting appearance by night."
Architect's Concept Design (1927)
This signed watercolour by John Knight showcases his grand vision for the Ambassador’s imposing façade, hinting at the architectural elegance to come. This was undoubtedly John Knight's crowning achievement in cinema design to date.
(Image courtesy of North West Film Archive)
Early Construction – Spring 1928
The Cinema was directly built on a reinforced concrete raft, which is itself was supported by no less than 120 huge columns of concrete which rest on the solid rock.
(Image courtesy of North West Film Archive)
Early Construction – Spring 1928
Brickwork foundations brickwork begin to rise, as the Ambassador takes shape from the ground up. This marks the first visible signs of the cinema's physical form.
(Image courtesy of North West Film Archive)
Accident During Construction – Summer 1928
Construction faced challenges when a snapped hawser caused an iron girder to drop, damaging the outer walls. The falling girder struck three others already in place, causing them to crash to the ground. Part of the newly erected exterior wall was also damaged.
(Image courtesy of North West Film Archive)
Realisation of the Architect’s Vision – 1928
John Knight’s ambitious designs are brought to life as the completed Ambassador Cinema opens its doors on Christmas Eve 1928 .
(Image courtesy of the Cinema Theatre Association)
Wedding Reception – June 1931
Manager John Howard’s oldest brother, Thomas and his new bride May exit the Ambassador after celebrating their wedding reception in June 1931, highlighting its role in the community beyond cinema. There is also a photo in the Internal Photos section, of the wedding party.
(Image courtesy of North West Film Archive)
Northern Premiere of "Hobson’s Choice" – 1954
The Ambassador proudly hosted the Northern premiere of David Lean’s "Hobson’s Choice," bringing Salford’s own story to the big screen.
(Image courtesy of North West Film Archive)
NOTE: All North West Film Archive photos were donated by John Howard's son and include many images of the Ellesmere Super Cinema on Lancashire Road in Worsley, part of the later Snape & Ward Circuit. John Howard served as the first manager of the Ambassador Cinema in Pendleton from its opening in 1928 until 1940, after which he transferred to the Tudor Cinema Bramhall. He was also a founding director of the Elsmere Super Cinema Ltd when it was established to build the cinema in 1936.
The donor, Mr. Howard Jr., managed the Plaza Bingo in Stockport, the last Super Cinema built for the original Ambassador Circuit.
The North West Film Archive is housed in the Manchester Central Library building.
John Howard, Manager from 1928 to 1940
As a Bingo Hall
Ambassador as the Mecca Casino
(Mid-1960s)
This image captures the Ambassador shortly after its transition into the Mecca Casino, following the purchase by Mecca in 1965, marking a shift in its use and atmosphere. Illuminated letters spelling out 'AMBASSADOR' are added to the prdiment at the top with similar letters spelling out 'MECCA CASINO' on the canopy over the entrance and an illuminated fin emblasoned with 'MECCA BINGO' fixed to the middle of the fascade.
Ambassador with French Awnings
(Late-1970s)
In the late 1970s, the Ambassador adopted fashionable French curved retractable awnings on its canopy, reflecting contemporary architectural trends of the time. The Illuminated letters 'AMBASSADOR MECCA CASINO' have been removed as has the central Illuminated 'MECCA BINGO fin, to be raplaced by a smaller version fixed to the left of the recess. Two sets of illuminated poster cases are placed each side of the entrance.
Charles St. Underpass Construction
(Late-1970s)
The Ambassador stood firm during the construction of the Charles Street underpass, a major urban development reshaping the area around the cinema. There was big changes at this time with the widening of Bolton Road to form a dual carridge-way. A swathe of houses and businesses were all demolished at this time.
Ambassador from Bolton Road (1984)
A 1984 image taken from Bolton Road offers a striking perspective of the Ambassador, highlighting its presence amidst the urban landscape. A numder of homes and businesses were demolished but the Ambassador survived.
Ambassador (Mid-1980s)
This 1984 photo captures the cinema in its late-1980s state, having undergone another facelift. The french awnings have been removed and the canopy has new Mecca Leisure Bingo and Social Club signage. There would be a final change in the late 1980's when this white red and blue signage would be replaced with the MECCA letters on brightly coloured squares.
Salford Council Housing Office
In this image, the Salford Council Housing office (former Police Station) is visible, with the iconic Ambassador standing tall in the background, connecting the cinema to the local community. Both of these iconic buildings are now gone.
Salford Council Housing Office
Another view of the Salford Council Housing office (former Police Station), with the iconic Ambassador standing tall in the background, showing the unusual roofline and the tiled front. Both of these iconic buildings are now gone.
Rear Car Park Entrance
In this image, the rear car park entrance with the brick auditorium clearly visible and the remnants of an entrance to the police house that was next to the former Police Station on the corner, seen to the right of this photo taken in 1966.
The Ambassador Project site visit - April 2001
Various photos from one of the 2001 site visits to document key features, including the tiled proscenium-like frontage, colonnade detail on the restaurant windows, Italianate tower, rear stage block, and distinct frieze designs that highlight the cinema’s craftsmanship and durability through decades. The only addition was the 1993 Mecca extension built onto the front covering the original recessed entrance to create a new entrance foyer and a small toilet block on the left side. Thank goodness we took many more photos of the architectural details that the paltry 14 images that the English Heritage photographer took.
(Click on the images below to enlarge)
Ambassador Frontage
A grand view of the Ambassador’s original façade, highlighting its striking architectural design even with the modern addition. This and the other side addition could easily have been removed in a restoration process.
Ambassador Frontage
A view showing unusual roof design presumably for added strength and height for the balcony area . Note the another 1993 addition of a toilet block on the side disturbing the symmetry of the frontage design.
Extended Foyer Addition
The foyer was expanded, blending the original architecture with a more modern design which could easily have been removed.
Proscenium Style Recess
Closer view of the tiling work of the restaurant windows recess. The proscenium formation a subtle hint at the building's purpose.
Recess Tiling Detail
Intricate tile work frames the entrance and the Cafe windows, reminiscent of a proscenium arch, adding an elegant touch.
Egg & Dart Edged Squares
This close-up showcases the intricate tile relief work, emphasizing classic egg-and-dart motifs framing three-dimensional square panels. The egg-and-dart pattern, a traditional architectural element, adds a sense of timeless elegance, while the raised square panels introduce depth and texture to the design. The craftsmanship of this relief highlights the attention to detail and the classical influences that define the building’s aesthetic.
Detail Around Restaurant Windows
This photo captures the elegant colonnade framing the restaurant windows, topped with a Greek key meander. Each column is crowned with a capital "A," featuring intricate palmette motifs and scroll-like designs. These architectural details add a sense of grandeur, showcasing a harmonious blend of classical design elements that elevate the overall aesthetic of the building
Close-Up of the Detail
This image highlights the intricate craftsmanship of the building’s architectural features. The design showcases a Greek key meander, topped by a Corinthian-style pillar with a central palmette motif. The decorative elements include egg-and-dart patterns, florette accents, and leaf designs, blending various classical architectural styles. It creates a rich tapestry of ornamentation, offering a visual “smorgasbord” of historic influences and artistry.
Right-Hand Side Italianate Tower
The Italianate tower on the right features open spaces between piers and a balcony supported by ornate corbels, adding a classical touch. Below, a frieze runs along the frontage, displaying upright Acanthus leaves, above a repeated design interspersed with Fleur de Lis and palmettes, inspired by the 1925 Exposition des Arts Décoratifs. This frieze design is also echoed in the frieze inside the auditorium.
Frieze detail below Italianate tower
This closer look at the frieze beneath the Italianate tower highlights the upright Acanthus leaves, set above a repeated pattern of Fleur de Lis and palmettes. The intricate detailing of the frieze complements the overall classical design, adding an element of sophistication to the building's frontage. The combination of these motifs not only enhances the structure's decorative appeal but also reflects the architectural trends of the era.
Detail of the Tower plinth corbel
This close-up highlights the intricate design of a corbel supporting the tower's balcony. The corbel features an Acanthus leaf motif, framed by elegant scrollwork along the sides. The design draws inspiration from the 1925 Exposition des Arts Décoratifs, blending classical artistry with modern influences to create a distinctive decorative element. This craftsmanship adds depth and sophistication to the architectural details of the tower.
Ambassador Side Elevation
This view of the side elevation highlights the contrast in the building’s functional design compared to its ornate façade. The architectural simplicity of this side is evident, with no decorative elements. An additional toilet block, added in 1993, is also visible, marking one of the later modifications to the original structure.
Closer view of side of the tower
This image shows the side elevation, highlighting the striking contrast between the ornate faience tiling of the front façade and the more widely used Ruabon red brick walls of the auditorium and stage block. This juxtaposition emphasizes the grandeur of the cinema's main entrance while underscoring the functional aspects of the building's design.
Rear corner dressing room block
This block, constructed in plain red Ruabonbrick, houses the dressing rooms for performers, serving as a practical yet essential component of the cinema's backstage theatrical infrastructure. Its straightforward design reflects its functional purpose, ensuring that the needs of the artists are met without the embellishments seen in other parts of the building.
Back Wall Stage & Dressing Room Block
A view of the rear of the building, showcasing the functional design of the stage and dressing room block rear wall. there appears to have been two doorways leading under the stage area and dressing room area for the Orchestra.
Back Wall Sign Revived
The faint outlines of the 'ghost' sign on the back wall are brought back to life. This type of signage painted directly onto the brickwork was a common advertising feature of the time and would have been clearly visible to motorists and tram passengers travelling from Eccles on the Eccles Old Road.
Interpretation of back wall sign based on the outlines and the fact that it would have the Ambassador's unique Pendleton telephone numbers on it.
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