What And Where Is Paradise? (1960s)

Gasworks, wharves and markets are filmed by local art school students, with local children providing unorthodox commentary about the area’s industrial charms.

This is a marvellous film, directed by Chris Owen, a student at Kingston Art School keen to explore Brentford’s industrial architecture. Numerous wonderful shots are taken of the area, many focussing on the gasworks – which he also films from inside – but also of wharves, shops, a funeral, factories, housing, advertisements, churches and drinkers outside the Beehive pub. Much of the vocal track comes from conversations with curious schoolchildren.