The Glasgow School of Art

Norman McLaren began making films whilst a student of Interior Design at The Glasgow School of Art. This event is a screening of four of McLaren’s surviving student films: Seven Till Five (1933) provides fascinating insight into the practices and rituals that comprised an average day in the iconic Mackintosh Building; Camera Makes Whoopee (1935) depicts the GSA’s Annual Carnival Ball and displays many pioneering animation techniques for which McLaren became best known; Polychrome Phantasy (1935) is an early example of experimental dance film; while Hell Unlimited (1936), an anti-war film that McLaren co-directed with fellow student Helen Biggar (1909-1953), demonstrates his nascent interest in political film. These films, made prior to McLaren’s professional filmmaking career, feature the themes and formal experimentation that would permeate his entire oeuvre.

The screening will have live accompaniment by members of the acclaimed Glasgow Improviser’s Orchestra (GIO), which comprises twenty-six highly accomplished professional musicians who collectively and individually make significant contributions to the cultural economy of Scotland. Key members include university professors, research academics, composers, internationally respected community musicians, music therapists and artists from complementary disciplines.

The event will be introduced by Dr Sarah Smith, an authority on experimental film, and will followed by a Q&A with members of GIO. A small reception will close the event.

Tickets priced at £10/£8 are available from Eventbrite.