THE Odeon in York's Blossom Street ('Still showing - this unique cinema sign', September 27) is a perfect example of art deco, a style which is particularly rare in York.
Such a building only has to fall into the wrong hands once, and it is ruined forever. This is why structures such as the Tower Of London are Grade I listed, and why many more, including the York Odeon, are Grade II listed. All are of outstanding architectural and/or historical merit, and all are fully protected.
When Harry Weedon designed the cinema in 1937, he also designed the magnificently proportional lettering. It precisely follows, and harmonises with the architecture, which is cubiform with rounded corners and restrained spurs. The sign is an intrinsic and irreplaceable component of the facade and is, along with the building itself, Grade II listed.
The cinema was put under this special protection to prevent exactly the type of vandalism which is now being proposed by its owners, who are clearly unaware of the fact that this is one of the most important buildings in York.
The council is obliged, by law, to turn down the owners' application, and the owners are obliged, by law, not only to keep the original art deco letters, but to take very good care of them. So there is no need for the planning and transport committee to discuss the matter at Guildhall on Thursday because, unless they wish to be prosecuted, there is nothing for them to discuss.
Anne Layram,
Trafalgar Street,
South Bank, York.
Updated: 13:10 Tuesday, September 30, 2003
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