My Experience on The Repair Shop with a Vintage Cinema Projector

In late 2022, Allen Taylor, a local film enthusiast from Bognor Regis, approached me with an exciting proposition. As a Trustee and Health and Safety Coordinator at the Projected Picture Trust, Allen had a wealth of knowledge about projectors and a vast collection, including four full-sized 35mm cinema projectors. Intrigued, I visited Allen’s place in September to check out one of his 35mm cinema projectors.

After an afternoon filled with tea and a demonstration, I was convinced that a 35mm projector would be a fantastic addition to the Selsey Pavilion. Despite not having secured funding or ownership of the Pavilion at the time, I couldn’t resist the opportunity. So, in October, my friend Tom Harker and I drove to collect the beautiful Westar 35mm cinema projector, complete with a Peerless Magnarc lamphouse and Westrex sound head.

The projector, which had been in storage for years, was in desperate need of repair. Someone had started rewiring it, but never finished, leaving it as a large, non-functional ornament. While preparing our Community Ownership Fund application in November, I applied to The Repair Shop, hoping they could help restore it.

Months later, I received exciting news: our projector had been shortlisted. One of the show’s experts, vintage electronics specialist Mark Stuckey, had a particular interest in 35mm projectors and was eager to take on the challenge. After a series of conversations and a short video submission, I was invited to the filming location in May 2023.

On the day of filming, I was warmly welcomed by the crew and the experts. The size and weight of the projector definitely presented a challenge, but it was clear that everyone was eager to get started. I shared the history of the projector and its significance to the Selsey Pavilion project, and the restoration process was soon underway.

Six weeks later, I returned for the much-anticipated reveal. The team did an incredible job, breathing new life into the projector with precision and care. The result was beyond my expectations—it now featured new controls, a modern sound reader, and had been polished to its former glory.

The experience was more than just about fixing a piece of equipment—it was about restoring a piece of cinema history for future generations to enjoy at the Selsey Pavilion. It also shed light on the lost art of cinema projection, a craft that has largely faded in the digital age but remains a vital part of our cultural heritage. I left feeling grateful for the incredible work the experts had done, and even more excited about the future of our community project.

You can watch the full episode on iPlayer.