Cinema Museum

Charlie Chaplin lived here when it was a workhouse. I left feeling “please sir, can I have some more?”

Curiosities abound in this idiosyncratic collection of movie and film memorabilia. Run on a shoestring by enthusiastic volunteers. It's not as clean, sleek or professional as the down the river's Royal Greenwich Museums like the The Queen's House. But has a indie charm all of it's own.

Wrap warm in winter, they can't afford to keep the heating up, but it does have a cosy vibe in the cavernous screening room. End-of-the-pier fallen grandure meets hipster south London film auteurs and aspiring filmmakers.

Having fallen on hard times recently I watched clips of Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 film 'Modern Times'. Something of a tradition now whenever I'm made redundant.

In it Chaplin struggles with an increasingly fast paced and mechanised world.

Sound familiar?

Little did Chaplin predict Instagram and TikTok, or the rise of the gig economy. Or maybe he did? He lived in this Victorian workhouse as a child. Perhaps he was the first media influencer, only using his powers for good. Instead of promoting Huel, he was making fun of efficient eating in Modern Times (1936) and making fun of demagogue Hitler in The Dictator (1940).

I’ve got a decent job again and it's mind bending how things can turn around suddenly. So I can afford to come to this museum, buy drinks and snacks, and watch Night of The Comet 1984 zombie comedy film. Courtesy of ‘Cinema of Tomorrow’ who say they will never turn away someone from a screening 'for lack of funds'. Chaplin would be proud.

The museum is only open for screenings and events like these. Come check one out while you can. The museum needs to raise half a million pounds to survive, which sadly sounds unlikely - even with the likes of Imelda Staunton donating £1000s to the KickStarter. Cinema of Tomorrow tickets are £9 or £12 depending on how generous you are feeling. Or less if you’ve fallen on hard times.

I first discovered the then 'Peckham Prototype Cinema of Tomorrow' microcinema in an old library. Where they screened Pinhead and then ceremoniously put a VHS of the film on a bus stop on Old Kent Road - which is a thing apparently.

I was broke at the time so only paid a fiver so I can confirm Cinema of Tomorrow are good to their word and didn't turn me away.

The Cinema Museum also does wedding receptions. I know, because I went to one for the matching of a horror film special effects artist and a student Oscar winning producer. When I say reception, it was more of a glass of prosecco, a wander round, and a photo opportunity before the real reception in The Sun pub in nearby Camberwell. But that was before The Cinema Museum is what it is today in this wonderful quirky victorian venue.

Elephant Springs is nearby for outdoor fun in the summer. I've made a few short films of my own Gonzo style.