Kentish Express Ashford & District - What's On
IT’LL BE A SCREAM
Museum bosses are preparing to say fangs for the memories to British horror films from the 1950s through to the 1970s with a scarily good exhibition. Angela Cole peeks from behind the sofa at what’s on offer
It could drive a stake through the heart of the most hardened of film fans. The golden age of British horror films, from the 1950s to the 1970s, was filled with bats, vampires and wickedly sharp fangs, along with two of the country’s unmistakable stars – Peter Cushing, from Whitstable, and Christopher Lee.
A new exhibition opening at Maidstone Museum next week celebrates the influence the British horror film studios had on the movie industry worldwide and on us, as viewers. Scream & Scream Again explores some of the most bloodthirsty and gory films from the period, featuring a number of original international film posters showing everything from the early gothic style to the infiltration of pop culture in the 1970s.
A collection of rare original lobby cards and posters from around the world will also be on display alongside some of the museum’s own weird and wonderful objects, including William Hazlitt’s death mask, gruesome taxidermy, mummified remains – both human and animal – and chilling dentistry equipment... enough to make anyone squirm! Chairman of the Maidstone council’s heritage, culture and leisure committee, Cllr David Pickett, said: “It’s great to be able to offer such a diverse programme of events to our residents and visitors.
“I have great memories of this period of British horror films and I am looking forward to this very special exhibition.” Although Pg-rated, there might be some scary sights for children.
Museum director Victoria Barlow said: “We’re excited to have secured this ghoul-tastic exhibition, especially in time for Halloween and we’re looking forward to having a lot of fun with it.”