A film processing laboratory with an iconic name from the golden age of film is to close its doors after 78 years.
Deluxe Laboratories, on the North Orbital Road close to Uxbridge, has announced it will close for business on March 21, bringing to an end years of film history.
The news follows the announcement that the Deluxe site in Hollywood, California will also be closing, in May.
The firm’s operations and engineering manager, Colin Flight, said the move towards working digitally rather than on film is the reason for the closure.
He said: “This site is fundamentally here for processing reels of film. Really, since [James Cameron’s science fiction blockbuster] Avatar came out in 2009 there has been a very fast transition to digital filming, especially for the use of 3D.
“It’s not unexpected, and it has been a steady process getting to this stage.”
The site employs about 70 people, and Mr Flight said that while many of them will retire, Deluxe has tried to minimise the impact of the closure and has been working to help other members of staff to find work.
Deluxe Laboratories has been at the site in Denham since 1936, at the same spot as the former Denham film studios where many British classics were made.
Over the years Deluxe enjoyed a close relationship with Pinewood Studios up the road at Iver Heath, with films shot at Pinewood processed at Deluxe.
Stanley Kubrick was known to be a fan, and would insist that his films were processed there, while more recently, Steven Spielberg used Deluxe in Denham for the processing of his Oscar nominated film War Horse.
Over the years, people working at the studio have received a number of Academy Awards for their efforts.
The future of Deluxe’s art deco Grade II listed building has not yet been decided.
Mr Flight said: “It’s a sad time for everyone who works here, and there is so much history to this site, but the industry has changed and it is about supply and demand really.”
Deluxe memories? Call the newsdesk on 01895 451036
