The house at 20 Middle Street, Brighton (map A) where William Friese-Greene lived and conducted experiments in cinematography is now a backpackers' hotel.
[Photos: David Fisher, Terra Media]
The plaque that marks the significance of the building claims Friese-Greene as 'the inventor of cinematography', whose work 'led to a world-wide industry'. Although he had some achievements to his credit, the strength of the claim is disputed.
A somewhat romanticised version of his story is told in the film The
Magic Box, made to coincide with the 1951 Festival of Britain, which
includes the memorable scene in which Robert Donat as Friese-Greene [left] shows his
first moving pictures to a policeman played by long-time Brighton resident
Laurence Olivier [right].
The plaque itself has some significance. It used a design created in 1924 by Eric Gill (1882-1940), who was born and grew up in Brighton and later lived at Ditchling, on the Downs above the city. His later work includes the bas relief carving of Prospero and Ariel on the BBC's Broadcasting House, London, and the typefaces Gill Sans and Perpetua. The plaque was unveiled in September 1957 by Michael Redgrave, one of the large number of stars who appeared in The Magic Box.
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Page updated 29 November 2005
© David Fisher