History

Following the Albany Empire being destroyed by suspected arson in 1978, a purpose-built new building at the current site was opened by Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1982. If you were there and would like to share your memories, we’d love to hear from you: marketing@thealbany.org.uk.

If you have images or memories you’d like to add, or can provide more accurate captions, we’d love to hear from you. Email marketing@thealbany.org.uk.

A few posters and images from the archive below show some of them. They’ve included Rock Against Racism gigs in the 1970s at the old site – the Albany Empire - where the likes of Dire Straits performed. Well known acts like Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer and Courtney Pine were a regular feature in the 1980s. Today, we’re aiming to get back on the map in a big way with our gigs.

Posters for events from community workshops to pantomimes and stand-up from Mike Reid (AKA Frank Butcher). If you were part of or attended any of these events, and would like to share your memories, we’d love to hear from you. Email marketing@thealbany.org.uk.

Every Picture Tells A Story was a project led by Art of Regeneration (AOR) Ltd to explore the 1970’s photographic archives of Chris Schwarz. Schwarz died in 2007 and bequeathed his collection to AOR. Much of the work in the archive reflects the programme of creative and cultural development of the Albany and key events in Deptford’s history.