Viva Brighton Issue #69 November 2018

FILM
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of a future icon on the threshold of superstardom.
“This exhibition reflects the time in history
when people really did go to the cinema, and
a lot of people went three, four or five times a
week. When I put this collection together one
of the most difficult things was deciding what
to include because I was absolutely spoilt for
choice.” The exhibition celebrates down-to-earth
cinema-going and the displays are constantly
evolving. One is currently being developed about
Gracie Fields, a huge name in 1930s stage and
screen: “she was a massive, massive star of her
time and we have her gold-plated gramophone.
She was the highest paid entertainer in the world
and she made her home in Peacehaven where
she also founded an orphanage.”
“Cinema By The Sea is made up of rare ephemera
by the way of dazzling film posters, lobby cards
and costumes. It is proving to be really captivating
for visitors. Most people can relate to film, they
grew up with film, they went to the cinema in
the days when cinema was at its height. They
remember these films, they remember the stars
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that are highlighted here and for them it’s really a
rush of nostalgia. What I hope this achieves is that
there will be a reawakening of interest in these
stars and their cinematic triumphs. The very fact
that it was all happening under the Sussex skies is
quite something.” Thomas Dadswell
‘Cinema By The Sea’ continues at The Grange
Museum, Rottingdean until Easter 2019.
10am-4pm Tuesday to Saturday, 2pm-4pm Sundays.
Entry is free.