After months of dedicated script writing, costume design, production and performance, the beautiful film ‘Vandalis’ was born. Over 70 local people were involved in creating this unique community arts film with support from local businesses and coordination provided by Wheelhouse Productions and Groundwork London.
The film was premiered in September 2014, as part of the Living Wandle Landscape Partnership launch event, through an outdoor cinema screening at the iconic Merton Abbey Mills; the former location of William Morris and Arthur Liberty’s workshops.
Vandalis depicts the lives of famous historical characters, such as Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton, each connected by the River Wandle through time. The story is a wonderful introduction to the Wandle’s famous and lucrative past (if not with a healthy dose of artistic licence!) and showcases a variety of locations along the River Wandle staring local people in the lead roles.
The film is available as a hard copy from Groundwork London or can be viewed online in the Wandle Library.
This project was part of the wider Living Wandle Landscape Partnership Scheme, supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
