Documents relating to Hibberts Pictures Ltd.

Henry Hibbert (1862-1924) was fishmonger and game merchant with a sideline as a magic lanternist who gave lectures in aid of the People's Sobriety Association. He recognised the potential of moving pictures, giving shows in Bingley's Co-Operative Hall as early as 22 February 1900. He quickly built up a business as a cinema owner, running shows in Bradford's St George's Hall and establishing the Towers Hall (1911) and Victoria Palace (1914) cinemas in Bradford and the short-lived Captain Kettle Film Company and film studio in 1914-16.