The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is part of Free
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_480x270/public/hero-images/fd5f7b29ccb86a69267f2c882923e063.jpg?itok=8aUcw_Ff)
The Constable Country
Glimpses on Super 8 film of the picturesque landmarks and pretty countryside that inspired Romantic artist John Constable's paintings.
From the collection of:
![Logo for East Anglian Film Archive](/sites/default/files/styles/association/public/association-logos/EAFA_at_UEA_Logo_2.jpg?itok=k_O0ysXn)
Overview
The countryside of the Essex-Suffolk border inspired Romantic landscape artist John Constable, who portrayed many of this area's rural landmarks on canvas, so much so, that it has become known as “Constable Country”. Amateur filmmaker Bert Gregory, a member of Clacton Cine Club, along with John Douglas and Arthur Webber made this short film, narrated by Bert Gregory, and featuring many of the villages and their landmarks that hold a connection to John Constable.
St Mary the Virgin’s Church in East Bergholt, birthplace of Constable and Flatford Mill, owned by Constable’s father, and the subject of Constable’s most famous painting, The Haywain, is featured. So too, is the picturesque Willy Lott’s Cottage, now a National Trust Property, Dedham’s 15th century St Mary’s Church, Stratford St Mary’s Church, Langham Church, and Nayland Church, all being the subject of Constable paintings. Also captured on Super 8 film is Dedham Grammar School, in which Constable attended, and Dedham Mill, again, owned and run by Constable’s father.
Related
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/3d651d7fd9067912fbe814447ee4042e_0.jpg?itok=mQ_-bail)
Felixstowe Sports and Carnival Felixstowe Sports and Carnival
Amateur film 1930 13 mins Silent Location: Felixstowe
Amateur record of Felixstowe's popular model boating lake and carnival day in 1930. Also, scenes from the picturesque 'Constable Country'.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/2659eed93417acc5d8cd80a0c3b10977.jpg?itok=P03EnWLX)
Suffolk Villages Suffolk Villages
Amateur film 1964 27 mins Silent Location: East Bergholt
Leisurely picnics and gathering lavender. Herbert Smerdon and friends tour the pretty villages in rural Suffolk circa 1964.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/promo259434176.jpg?itok=6YyutTK0)
Countryside Club Present….. Countryside Club Present…..
Travelogue 1952 7 mins Silent Location: Lavenham
This travelogue film captures the chocolate box image of some the villages in rural Suffolk which have inspired artists and enthralled visitors over the years.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/muscleqanda.jpg?itok=8sw22r7R)
Muscle - Exclusive Q&A Muscle - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 34 mins
Director Gerard Johnson talks Nia Child through the making of Muscle, an adrenalized drama that tears into the stereotypes of masculinity and male friendship.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/silverhazeqaextended_0.jpg?itok=T-FOBodE)
Silver Haze - Exclusive Q&A Silver Haze - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 29 mins
Vicky Knight sits down with Rowan Woods for an extended discussion on the making of the film Silver Haze. *Contains Spoilers*
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/cymande.jpg?itok=Jqu3O2zo)
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/west-case1.jpg?itok=A5Q_9vtZ)
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/scala5.jpg?itok=qfLzK5jz)
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.