Film Friday Art in the Archive National Library of Scotland

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Film Friday Art in the Archive National Library of Scotland

1st May, 2020 until 11.30 p.m.

Delve into the art world through this selection of footage from the Moving Image Archive. See the streets of Glasgow from a painter’s eye, discover overlooked artistic movements, and enjoy details of iconic design and architecture.

Hosted by National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall

Follow the links in NLS virtual showreel below and watch this week’s #FilmFriday instalment:

MACKINTOSH https://movingimage.nls.uk/film/2226
(1968 – directed by Murray Grigor – 34 minutes)
This film documents the life and work of one of Scotland’s much loved artists, architects and designers: Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Directed by Murray Grigor ‘Mackintosh’ combines the beautiful camera work of Eddie McConnell & Oscar Marzaroli, the editing skills of Bill Forsyth (Gregory’s Girl and Local Hero), and a score from composer Frank Spedding. Although receiving accolades at the time this masterpiece of documentary film-making, with its scenes of the Glasgow School of Art’s interior, now seems more poignant that ever.

BLAST https://movingimage.nls.uk/film/5634
(1975 – directed by Murray Grigor – 23:43 minutes)
BLAST looks at the history and impact of Vorticism, a radical British art movement in the early twentieth century that combined geometric elements of cubism and hard-edged imagery derived from urban environments. Also directed by Murray Grigor ‘BLAST’ won awards across the globe in festivals including Melbourne, San Sebastian, Tampere and Chicago. We love it for its quirky use of archive footage and readings from the Vorticists’ Manifesto.

THREE SCOTTISH PAINTERS https://movingimage.nls.uk/film/2263
(1963 – directed by Laurence Henson – 20 minutes)
This films covers the activities of three Scottish painters, presented in triptych form by Laurence Henson. First, John Maxwell, who belonged to the ‘The Edinburgh School’; Maxwell’s works are described in the films as dreamlike “images of his world of fantasy” and “imagination”. Secondly, Joan Eardley is captured painting and sketching Glasgow’s east end streets and children, a subject for which she is perhaps best known. Third, and finally, Robin Philipson, an influential figure of the Scottish painting scene here seen working in his characteristic bold and expressive style.

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Look out for more to come in our #FilmFriday series!