Deluxe Laboratories: UK June 2016

Its rare to come across a site that has affected so many lives and created so many emotions as this location. The Deluxe laboratories was one of the leaders in film processing and the most advanced outside of Hollywood. Stanley Kubrick insisted on development being done here and many other classic films were processed here. Full Metal Jacket, Empire Strikes Back, Return Of The Jedi, ET, Quantum Of Solace and Skyfall, Just to name a few.

Originally a whole studio complex was built here in 1936 the Rank labs was used for processing and editing the studios eventually closed in the 1950's and the site was redeveloped into a business park, however the labs remained here.

The building is one of five in the UK designed by Walter Gropius the founder of Bauhaus. Its one of few surviving examples of industrial architecture of the Modern Movement in England and the only remaining building of the original Denham Film Studio Complex.

I saw a report of this site online and I knew time was short and expected it to be a popular location so with no hesitation I shot down here after work. I clearly didn't think this through. A couple of cars on site but I figured it would be security or people tidying up. As soon as I was inside I heard voices coming from the open door I walked in. Down the corridor was a PIR. No idea if some of the sensors would work I was stuck and got to enjoy a northern guy singing away while doing the washing up!! Eventually he moved on and I got to have a wander around. Only one other close call with a member of staff so I was rather lucky and got to leave with my camera full of history.

Now one bedroom apartments are for sale in excess of £300k.

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Deluxe London: External showing the art-deco facade

Deluxe London: One of the many mixing rooms.

Deluxe London: Different angle of a mixing room.

Deluxe London: Entrance to the production areas.

Deluxe London: This bridge joined the warehouse to the theatres.

Deluxe London: Corridor and stairwell to the warehouse.

Deluxe London: Landing near the theatres.

Deluxe London: The dolby digital theatre.

Deluxe London: The dolby digital theatre. There were ashtrays between the seats.

Deluxe London: The dolby digital theatre desk.

Deluxe London: The dolby digital theatre. I discovered this theatre just before I left.

Deluxe London: The dolby digital theatre. A wider view of the façade.