By Dave Worrall
Last
night saw Cinema Retro attend the exclusive private viewing of Designing OO7 - Fifty Years of Bond Style
at The Barbican in London. This unique exhibition showcasing the design, craft
and style of a screen icon - James Bond - is superbly designed (by Ab Rogers, and guest-curated by
fashion historian Bronwyn Cosgrave and Oscar-winning costume designer Lindy
Hemming) . The exhibition is a must-see event for anyone with an interest in
film, let alone James Bond. Produced in partnership with Eon Productions, ably
assisted by the head of their archives, Meg Simmonds, the exhibition has
amassed over 400 items that reflect the history of Bond over the last 50 years.
Following
the press call in the day, the organizers invited people who have worked on the
films over the years and also friends of Eon to a champagne reception and
private view of the exhibition. And what a show it is! After walking down the
red carpet and past the fabled Aston Martin DB5, guests were given their own
'OO7 passport' to gain access to all areas and greeted with a glass (or two) of
Bollinger champagne.
Producer
Michael G. Wilson (with Barbara Broccoli at his side) addressed the guests with
a wonderful tribute speech to those 'background' women and men who have been
responsible for creating the 'look' of the James Bond films over the years.
Many were in attendance, including: Norman Wanstall, John Glenn, David Arnold,
Neal Purvis, Rob Wade, Arthur Wooster, Anthony Waye, John Richardson, Chris
Corbould, Debbie McWilliams, Lindy Hemming, and Peter Lamont, Wilson acknowledged Lamont as the production designer
who not only took over from Ken Adam, but also oversaw the building of two
studios for Eon Productions. Peter received a rapturous round of applause from
the appreciative audience.
The
entrance to the exhibition is designed to look like the now-famous gun barrel,
and after walking through this, you enter a chamber resembling part of Fort
Knox, with large metal bars adorning one wall from floor to ceiling. The
centre-piece is a large revolving circular bed with a life-size model figure of
a golden girl lying across it. From here, guests are led through five rooms and
travel down a lift to one exhibit of large-scale models and props. Very
impressive.
There
are props and costumes galore, including Oddjob's bowler hat, Scaramanga's
'Golden Gun', and even the white bikini worn by Ursula Andress in Dr. No (on loan from Planet Hollywood).
The walls are adorned with production designs, sketches and storyboards, and
they have even managed to squeeze in the BMW motorcycle from Tomorrow Never Die, too. It was also
great to see the original attache case and prototype of Rosa Klebb's
flick-knife shoe, both iconic props seen in From
Russia With Love. It certainly brings back many memories of a series of
films that have entertained generations of movie goers the world over.
For lovers of fine clothing, here is your chance to see costumes designed by major fashion names, including Tom Ford, Giorgio Armani, Brioni, Donatella Versace - and many, many more, including accessories and jewelry.
Whilst browsing this amazing array of Bondian history, someone said to me, "How can you class this as history. It's not old enough?" To which I replied, "Well, my grandmother first took me to see Goldfinger in 1964, then I went with my father to Thunderball and You Only Live Twice in '65 and '67. I saw the following films myself, and later took my son on the set to see GoldenEye being made. That's four generations of just one family who have been entertained by the James Bond films over a fifty year period, and what's on show here represents many of those moments - and that's not history?" It sure is, and I'm amongst millions of people around the world who have embraced the character in one way or another. These films may not have changed the world, but they have sure made an impact on our cultural history in the same way music, sport and politics have. Actress Martine Beswick said to me, "You know, it's not until tonight, seeing all these wonderful items on display, that I realise I am part of this history - and I feel really proud to have been part of it."
There were over 200 people at this special event, and I noticed Margaret Nolan, Shane Rimmer, Goldie, Caroline Munro, Molly Peters, Valerie Leon and many more enjoying the whole occasion. It was a wonderful evening to meet up with old friends, including Gareth Owen and Andy Boyle of Bondstars, Ajay Chowdhury of The International James Bond Fan Club, Anders Frejdh of the web site From Sweden With Love, and a rep from the popular MI6 HQ site - all sipping champagne and chatting with the stars. The Barbican, Eon Productions, and especially Meg Simmonds, must be congratulated on producing what, for me, is the best James Bond exhibition I've ever seen. Don't miss this one.
Oh, and whilst there, why not enjoy a Bond-style cocktail at the Martini Bar?
Designing OO7 - Fifty Years of Bond Style, opens today (July 6th) and runs until September 5th. Following this, it will tour internationally for three years.
The Barbican Centre is in Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Check out barbican.org.uk/bond
Open 11am - 8pm (Thursday until 10pm). Timed admission is in operation. It is advised you book in advance. Last admissions 90 mins before close.
Tickets: £12.
Concessions: £10.
Under 16s: £8.