Lindsay Anderson on the Set of Britannia Hospital

Is That All There Is?

31 January - 5 March 2008

An exhibition of archive material from the Lindsay Anderson Collection
James Hockey & Foyer Galleries
Farnham, Surrey

'Is That All There Is?', the first public exhibition of material from the extensive Lindsay Anderson Collection held by University of Stirling, represents a unique and idiosyncratic overview of the life and career of one of Britain's greatest filmmakers.

Anderson began his career by making documentary films in the 1950s and was a founder of the 'Free Cinema' movement. He made a string of critically acclaimed films in the 1960s and 1970s including 'This Sporting Life', starring Richard Harris and 'If....' starring Malcolm McDowell. Anderson's attitude to art and life was committed, personal and socially engaged, making him a unique figure in British culture. He made some of the most remarkable films in the history of the British cinema and was also one of this country's leading theatre directors. An eloquent and perceptive critic, Anderson edited 'Sequence', still widely regarded as one of the most influential film magazines ever published in Britain.

The exhibition includes letters, memorabilia, storyboards, diaries and other objects from the collection to provide insights into particular aspects of Anderson's work. Not a straight biographical display, it uses the artefacts as interesting items in their own right and, when viewed as a whole, provides a wider context for Anderson's life and career. Anderson's extensive correspondence testifies to influences on his own work, for instance from the Hollywood director John Ford, while illustrating in turn Anderson's influence on subsequent generations of filmmakers, writers and actors.

The selection was constructed through conversations between archivist Karl Magee, curator Kirsteen Macdonald and artist Stephen Sutcliffe. For the James Hockey & Foyer Galleries additional material was selected by Christine Kapteijn.

The James Hockey Gallery is open 10.00 am to 5.00 pm weekdays, and 10.00 am to 4.00 pm on Saturdays. Sundays and Bank Holidays are closed.
Admission is free.

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