The Art Of Star Wars Exhibition

Bradford Museum of Photography Film And Television
by
Sarah DeMarcy - London

This terrific exhibition of over 200 genuine costumes and artefacts from the four Star Wars movies seems to have found its true home in Bradford. The dramatically lit labyrinth makes for an exciting experience that surpasses even its record breaking inaugural display in London's Barbican Arts Complex.

12th October saw an amusing and informative press conference with guests:
Amanda Neville -Museum Director
Dermot Power - Concept Artist Episode II
Rob Coleman - Animation Director ILM
Also attending were Paloma Anaveros - Archive Curator for Lucasfilm, and the directors of the Barbican.

The Bradford Group (from left to right)
Dermot Power / Kathleen Holliday / Anthony Daniels / Rob Coleman

The event was hilariously hosted by Anthony Daniels who turned it into a fascinating chat show with hints of his alter ego, C-3PO, breaking through on occasions. From its dramatic opening through the interesting presentations and audience questions, it was clear that a great deal of preparation and imagination had gone into making a beautifully produced occasion. Daniels' light touch at the controls and the charm of the guests made for a truly relaxed and informative atmosphere where Power and Coleman told some of their behind the scenes skills.

On a grander scale, that evening, over 600 special guests crammed into the Museum's atrium to drink exotic cocktails. The Black Dyke Mills Band (famous even before playing in the movie Brassed Off) provided the mood music from The Planets. With Anakin's pod from Episode I suspended above them, the guests enjoyed the intergalactic atmosphere. A fanfare announced Amanda Neville who, after welcoming everyone and thanking so many involved, introduced Kathleen Holliday Director of Special Project at Lucasfilm who spoke about her pride in the marvellous occasion.

The giant glass and marble hall echoed with applause as Anthony Daniels, now sporting a gold bow tie in apparent homage to C-3PO arrived on stage. He charmed the audience as he jokily explained his local connections from his childhood and led them through an amusingly brief outline of his journey through the galaxy so far. As he declared the exhibition open, bursts of laser fire and explosions heralded the arrival of a squad of storm troopers. As the band broke into the main Star Wars theme they commanded Daniels to accompany them. Clearing a path through the excited crowd they entered the exhibition itself. As the guests followed to admire the exhibits, Daniels stood by the glass display case containing his famous suit and signed autographs for fans of all ages for the rest of the evening. The smiling faces around him showed just how good a time everyone was having.

The Art Of Star Wars runs until 29th April