Auction of Leigh Dyer-sculpted seat plaques in local cinema

Snaffle yourself one of the most inventive and original Christmas gifts around at the Electric Palace’s lively fundraising auction this Sunday 4 December, hosted by the inimitable Glenn Veness, says Annie Waite.

In its quest to raise enough funds to secure new seats, the Electric Palace in Hastings Old Town is offering a rare opportunity for film buffs and Hastings afficionados to buy a small piece of the cinema for themselves – namely, a solid brass, with copper and steel, seat plaque designed by sculptor Leigh Dyer, which will be personalised with the customer’s unique message.

Lay claim to your very own cinema seat

Classic film art for your wall

Guests can also bid for rare and classic film posters and film photos at the fundraiser event this Sunday 4 December, 3pm.

Local filmmaker extraordinare Glenn Veness will compere the festive extravaganza, and Glenys Jacques is auctioneer, while Linda King and Anita Bush will don glamorous garb to ‘demonstrate’ the posters. Every guest will receive a free glass of punch, to warm the cockles on the wintry Sunday afternoon.

Film industry veteran, Richard Green, will provide a lively introduction to the event, including some interesting background on film posters, garnered from his extensive career in film exhibition industry, including working with Columbia Pictures, Warner Bros and 20th Century Fox. Find out some fascinating facts and stories behind certain film posters and advertising campaigns.

Alongside his expertise, Richard will be displaying a range of collectable vintage film posters and souvenir film brochures.

Some of the posters on sale include:

• KING KONG (1933) reissue based on original poster advert art,
• MORRIS A LIFE WITH BELLS ON,
• JOHN CARPENTER’S HALLOWEEN,
• 20,000 DAYS ON EARTH,
• TONY BENN: WILL AND TESTAMENT,
• UNDER MILK WOOD,
• THE ECSTASY OF WILKO JOHNSON.

Support your local cinema

The Electric Palace has been on a fundraising quest to secure plush new, comfy seats for this community venue. By joining in this fun fundraising auction you’ll really be supporting your community cinema and at the same time it’s the perfect way to pick up a unique Christmas gift.

Seat plaques are £100 and all posters have a starting price of £10.

Fun festive seat plaque auction and classic film poster sale takes place on Sunday 4 December, 3pm, at the Electric Palace, 39a High Street, Hastings TN34 3ER.

Also in: Film