Tales from Hackney’s Memory Palaces

Since films first flickered on London screens in 1896 Hackney has been home to more than 60 cinemas ranging from grand architectural marvels to neighbourhood fleapits. Having delved into the archives, cinema historian and tour guide Nigel Smith tells the story of more than 100 years of cinema-going in the borough. Nigel Smith is a lifelong movie nerd. He’s part of the team producing BBC Radio 4’s film and TV programme Screenshot, co-founded the long-running Tufnell Park Film Club and leads guided walking tours exploring London’s old cinemas. His website Memory Palaces aims to tell stories associated with 100 buildings in the capital that are or have been cinemas. Follow him on Instagram @nigelsmithwalks and find out more about his tours at memorypalaces.co.uk.