As you may be aware, the historic Bray Film Studios near Windsor is currently facing the threat of demolition under redevelopment plans which will see the site replaced with private housing.
The studios were founded in 1951 by the fledgling Hammer Films who would go on to be known for their gothic horror films (many of which were shot at Bray), and who are currently back in production with eagerly anticipated films Let Me In and The Woman In Black.
Hammer sold the studios in 1970 and since then they have been extensively used for film, television, special effects work, and music rehearsal and recording. Famous names to have passed through the gates include Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Oliver Reed, Errol Flynn, Ridley Scott, Gerry Anderson, Terry Gilliam, Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin, Amy Winehouse, The Killers...
The Save Bray Studios campaign has been set up to create awareness of this threat, and seeks to open a dialogue with the custodians to find an alternative to the demolition plans. Either through the continued development of the Studio, or conversion into a museum/heritage site relating to the film industry and local area.
The campaign was started by Belfast-based film historian Robert Simpson, and is making use of social networking sites and is attracting international attention.
Next Tuesday (27 July) afternoon sees a public exhibition at Bray Studios of the redevelopment plans - the exhibition is free and open to the general public and we would encourage all interested parties to attend.
For all those interested in saving Bray Studios here are links to the campaign website, Facebook and Twitter pages.