Sold Out: The Man Who Painted His House Screening at All Saints' Church
Join us for a special screening of The Man Who Painted His House at All Saints’ Church, Cambridge.
This new short film offers a poetic exploration of David Parr’s craft and legacy. Created in collaboration with The Derek Jarman Lab and Birkbeck, University of London, it was made by Dr Victoria Mills and Lily Ford, with an original score composed and performed by Richard Uttley.
The screening will take place at All Saints’ Church, Cambridge – a site where Parr himself painted while working for the renowned decorating firm F. R. Leach & Sons. Blending archival material, contemporary reflections and original music, the film brings together Parr’s home, personal motivations and working life. The live performance will feature Richard Uttley (piano) and Kinga Wojdalska (viola), performing a composition inspired by the musical influences of the Arts and Crafts movement.
Following the screening, there will be a Q&A discussion with the filmmakers. This event is supported by Birkbeck, University of London.
About the makers
Dr Victoria Mills – Researcher and Producer
Dr Victoria Mills is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English, Theatre and Creative Writing at Birkbeck, University of London. She specialises in Victorian art, design and material culture, with a focus on the overlooked contributions of decorative artists and craftsmen. Her research re-examines the history of the Arts and Crafts movement, challenging traditional narratives that centre on privileged designers while neglecting the artisans who brought their work to life. The Man Who Painted His House forms part of her British Academy-funded research project on the role of the Victorian ‘art-workman’ in shaping material culture.
Lily Ford – Director
Lily Ford is a filmmaker and historian with a background in visual culture. She is the Associate Director of The Derek Jarman Lab, a research centre for film and media at Birkbeck, University of London, where she works on projects that bring historical research to life through film. Her previous work has explored themes of travel, utopianism and urban life. In The Man Who Painted His House, she combines archival materials, contemporary footage and an atmospheric score to tell the story of David Parr’s artistic legacy.
Richard Uttley – Composer
Richard Uttley is a pianist and composer known for his performances of contemporary classical music. He has a strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration, working across music, film and visual art. His compositions often draw inspiration from historical themes and artistic movements. For The Man Who Painted His House, he has created a new score for viola and piano, inspired by the musical traditions of the Arts and Crafts movement to reflect the film’s themes of craftsmanship, creativity and legacy.
