'The Urie Collection of Home Projection' Donations

Donation news! This week we want to highlight a fascinating collection of cinema heritage items, donated by one of our amazing members.

These fabulous pieces were donated by member of the project, David Urie. The collection donated includes several 16mm and 8mm projectors, including a gorgeous Ampro Stylist Major from the early 1950s, and a brilliantly preserved Bell & Howell-Gaumont Model 601. Complete with a matching, original speaker! Interestingly, they belonged to David’s father who spent time as a travelling projectionist, mostly taking the magic of film to local schools!

The projectors were also donated with a fascinating collection of film. These include 8mm comedy shorts of comedy-legends Laurel and Hardy, and silent-film icon Charlie Chaplin. There are unique 16mm films from Europe in the early 70s, comprising a German life-film that shows sporting events, exciting new technologies, and peaceful German country life. There is even a French Ministry of Foreign Affairs film that celebrates 20 years of French nuclear energy! Truly electrifying!

We've always aimed to include 8mm and 16mm projection as part of our heritage collections and commitment to preserving the art of analogue projection in all its formats. We're delighted to officially name these latest donations as 'the Urie Collection of Home Projection' and we thank David and his family for their kindness and generosity.

Thank you again, David and family.