Extended: The Ritz Cinema film poster exhibition

— Due to the popularity of The Ritz Cinema film poster exhibition this week, Off the Bench is extending the exhibition for one day only into Saturday, January 26, from 10am to 1pm.

During this extended day people will have the opportunity to blind bid on all the posters displayed in an attempt to have that last push and raise some vital funds to keep the building work going on the project.

The Ritz is raising both awareness and vital funding to complete the regeneration project with an exhibition featuring original art work from local designers Leo Cripps and James Smart.

The exhibition includes 50 original pieces of work, and will be available in the form of posters, prints and postcards, which can be purchased at the exhibition.

The design pieces explore a wide selection of films and movies spanning from the beginning of cinema to the present day. Each original piece has been designed by the artists, using their own typographical and illustrative experience to develop innovative work taking inspiration from popular film culture and the history of The Ritz.

Leo Cripps said: “I am very excited to be involved in The Ritz Exhibition project. As a film fanatic and local designer, it’s a great opportunity to exhibit new work and raise awareness of a fantastic cause.”

James Smart added: “I’m really excited to be putting on my first exhibition, and the fact it will be raising money to reopen The Ritz building is fantastic.”

The exhibition will be held within the partly renovated Ritz. All proceeds raised from the exhibition will be put straight back into the Ritz Regeneration project.

During the exhibition there will be the opportunity for people to have a tour of the building and learn about the plans for the future of this magnificent Art Deco venue.