Missing film studio plaque in Blackburn's Northgate to be reinstated

Earlier this month, Blackburn with Darwen Council made improvements to the facades of a block of shops in Northgate in the town centre.

However, upon completion, the 100 Years of Cinema plaque which had been installed on the side of 38-40 Northgate in 1996, was missing.

Pioneering Edwardian film-makers Sagar Mitchell and James Mitchell had their studio at the Northgate site.

Rob Whalley, who lives in Blackburn, noticed the Mitchell and Kenyon plaque was no longer in pride of place, and said while the shopfront restoration had made the town look better, the loss of the plaque was worrying.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has said the plaque is in safe-keeping and will return to it's position in the coming months.

The shops were improved earlier this month (Image: Council)

He said: “Whilst the recent shop front improvements are a vast improvement on the previous signage, the loss of this plaque seems contrary to the heritage aspirations of the overall project, given the prominence of Mitchell and Kenyon to early cinematography nationally.

“The plaque was unveiled on March 22, 1996, by Stephen Herbert, Head of Technical Services at the Museum of the Moving Image, London, as part of a programme of events that February and March.

“The 100 Years of Cinema event included a major two-month exhibition at Blackburn Museum, two travelling exhibitions – “Cinema Memories” from the British Film Institute, and the “Bombay Talkies” exhibition of Indian film posters - along with a series of lectures and screenings.

“The oblong plague was located on the brick pier between 38 and 40 Northgate.

“The plaque also features in the council’s publication “Blackburn Town Centre Trail North” and is also shown on the Cottontown website, as is the companion plaque that was erected on the former Lyceum Theatre in Market Street Lane.

“The Lyceum Theatre plaque appears to have been lost when the building was demolished and redeveloped as apartment blocks a few years ago.

The Lyceum Theatre plaque (Image: Public)

“As I understand it, the fascia improvements were part of the Blakey Moor Townscape Heritage Project, which is intended to improve the street scene of the Northgate Conservation area.

"I would like to know whether the plaque is in safe storage and whether the intention is that it should be reinstalled.”

A spokesperson for Blackburn with Darwen Council said: “Yes to confirm we have it in safe keeping and it will be reinstated on the property this year.”