The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is part of Free
The Constable Country
Glimpses on Super 8 film of the picturesque landmarks and pretty countryside that inspired Romantic artist John Constable's paintings.
From the collection of:
Overview
The countryside of the Essex-Suffolk border inspired Romantic landscape artist John Constable, who portrayed many of this area's rural landmarks on canvas, so much so, that it has become known as “Constable Country”. Amateur filmmaker Bert Gregory, a member of Clacton Cine Club, along with John Douglas and Arthur Webber made this short film, narrated by Bert Gregory, and featuring many of the villages and their landmarks that hold a connection to John Constable.
St Mary the Virgin’s Church in East Bergholt, birthplace of Constable and Flatford Mill, owned by Constable’s father, and the subject of Constable’s most famous painting, The Haywain, is featured. So too, is the picturesque Willy Lott’s Cottage, now a National Trust Property, Dedham’s 15th century St Mary’s Church, Stratford St Mary’s Church, Langham Church, and Nayland Church, all being the subject of Constable paintings. Also captured on Super 8 film is Dedham Grammar School, in which Constable attended, and Dedham Mill, again, owned and run by Constable’s father.
Related
Watch for free
Mining Review 25th Year No. 9 Mining Review 25th Year No. 9
1972 10 mins Location: Mayfair
A painterly profile of County Durham's brilliant miner-artist Tom McGuinness.
Watch for free
Figures in a Landscape Figures in a Landscape
Documentary 1953 17 mins Silent Location: St Ives
A poetic portrait of sculptor Barbara Hepworth and the otherworldly Cornish landscapes which inspired her.
Watch for free
Dancers Dancers
1978 29 mins
Impressionistic portrait of life as a dancer in London’s Ballet Rambert.
Watch for free
Giacometti Giacometti
Documentary 1967 14 mins
Spend a few intense minutes with Giacometti in his Paris studio and see him at work on his striking sculptures.
Watch for free
Portrait of David Hockney Portrait of David Hockney
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1972 13 mins
Filmed at the time Hockney was painting Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy, this compelling study concentrates on the textures and light which surround the artist in his home and studio.
Watch for free
Ten Years in an Open Necked Shirt Ten Years in an Open Necked Shirt
Documentary 1984 61 mins
Discover the 'name behind the hairstyle', in this essential portrait of the bard of Salford, aka John Cooper Clarke.
Watch for free
Felixstowe Sports and Carnival Felixstowe Sports and Carnival
Amateur film 1930 13 mins Silent Location: Felixstowe
Amateur record of Felixstowe's popular model boating lake and carnival day in 1930. Also, scenes from the picturesque 'Constable Country'.
Watch for free
Suffolk Villages Suffolk Villages
Amateur film 1964 27 mins Silent Location: East Bergholt
Leisurely picnics and gathering lavender. Herbert Smerdon and friends tour the pretty villages in rural Suffolk circa 1964.
Watch for free
Countryside Club Present….. Countryside Club Present…..
Travelogue 1952 7 mins Silent Location: Lavenham
This travelogue film captures the chocolate box image of some the villages in rural Suffolk which have inspired artists and enthralled visitors over the years.
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.