One of the really enjoyable parts of my job is getting to know the many and varied customers who purchase items from me. Whether they are a professional body or a passionate individual, I am always humbled by the sheer levels of expertise and commitment these people show towards their interest. As a group, fans of old technology tend to be far more hands-on than many other collecting fields, not only researching and admiring these objects but actively restoring them back to working condition and using them as well. I’ve sold items that have gone on to be used in music videos, chat-shows, period dramas, public demonstrations, static exhibitions and so much more.
The other day I was excited to hear that one of my old items, a Gaumont Chrono Cine Projector from c1914 was not only fully working again but had also been given a new lease of life offering live Cinema demonstrations to the eager public. While watching an old silent movie on the television is one thing, sitting in a Cinema watching that same movie and listening to the old hand-cranked projector as it clicks, whirs and flickers its way through the reels offers a whole new level of appreciation for early Cinema.
I first met award winning film editor Christopher Bird during 2020 when he came to pick up the Gaumont Projector I’d just sold to him. As someone working within the modern film industry Chris has a unique perspective on this early equipment and reels. However right from the start he told me that he was not looking to prop this old projector up in the corner of a room and just admire it, he knew that he wanted to use it for live demonstrations to the public. While some old equipment should stay retired as the parts become too fragile for use, this antique Gaumont Chrono was built to last and ready for a new lease of life. Beside the usual oiling and greasing, Chris had a friend of his sympathetically install a modern light source into the lantern box for use during the displays.
The inaugural event with the Gaumont Chrono projector took place just a few days ago to a near full auditorium at the Electric Palace Cinema in Harwich. As one of the oldest working Cinemas in the UK it was a natural venue for this 108 year old machine and Chris was joined and helped by fellow enthusiast and film historian David Cleveland. If the walls could have talked, I’m sure they would have related fond stories from when similar machines had worked day and night to please just as excited audiences when the Cinema was brand new.
Well done to Chris and David on their first successful event with this old projector at the helm!
To read a great write up of the screening by the East Anglian Daily Times please click the link here.