Where cinema history was made – relive the magic on screen with a special screening in St Ann’s Well Gardens
Step back into the birthplace of British cinema with an unforgettable evening dedicated to the work of pioneering filmmakers George Albert Smith and Laura Bayley Smith. At St Ann’s Well Gardens – the very place where their creative journey began – we’ll bring their extraordinary films back to life on screen.
Guided by film historian Frank Gray, these screenings will showcase the Smiths’ most iconic works, from playful comic sketches to groundbreaking experiments in editing that transformed the very language of cinema. Each film will be introduced with fascinating insights, revealing how this remarkable duo helped shape the future of storytelling on screen.
Film Screenings
📍 The Garden Cafe, St Ann’s Well Gardens, Somerhill Rd, Hove BN3 1RP
📅 8 November & 15 November, 6.30pm (same programme shown on both evenings)
💵 £8 / £6 concessions
🎟️ Book tickets for 8 November – Full admission: £8 /// Concession: £6
🎟️ Book tickets for 15 November – Full admission: £8 /// Concession: £6
⏱️ Duration: 90 minutes
Don’t miss this rare chance to experience the magic of early cinema in the setting where it all began.
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The Film Factory is part of Days of Wonder by videoclub, Corridor, Screen Archive South East, Brighton & Hove Museums, the Friends of St Ann’s Well Gardens and led by the historian Frank Gray. Gray’s work is devoted to the study of the Hove pioneer filmmakers – George Albert Smith, Laura Bayley Smith and James Williamson.
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, and Film Hub South East/BFI.
