Talk

The making of historical films with director Mike Leigh

'He has been here and fired a gun': Turner, Constable and the Royal Academy

Friday 15 March 2019 6.30 - 7.45pm

The Benjamin West Lecture Theatre, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts

£20, £12

Booking for Friends of the RA opens at 10 am on Thursday 24 January 2019. Booking opens to members of the public at 10 am on Friday 25 January 2019.

“He has been here and fired a gun”: Turner, Constable and the Royal Academy

Go to the exhibition

Join a panel including British filmmaker, Mike Leigh, historical consultant and author, Jacqueline Riding, and Oscar nominated production designer, Suzie Davies, as they discuss the importance of truth, storytelling and revealing hidden histories in film.

For the first time since the Summer Exhibition of 1832, JWM Turner RA's Helvoetsluys: - the City of Utrecht, 64, Going to Sea and John Constable RA’s The Opening of Waterloo Bridge will be exhibited side by side. To mark this occasion, we'll be exploring how historical events through film are realised and the importance of history in storytelling to contemporary audiences.

Our panel, chaired by writer, critic and broadcaster, Francine Stock, will examine how historical figures and events can be translated and received by modern audiences. What is the balance between fact and fiction? How does a director’s style influence the development of character, place and narrative? What is the significance of the historical film today?

£20, £12

Booking for Friends of the RA opens at 10 am on Thursday 24 January 2019. Booking opens to members of the public at 10 am on Friday 25 January 2019.