Highgate Cemetery

"Highgate Cemetery has some of the finest funerary architecture in the country. It is a place of peace and contemplation where a romantic profusion of trees, memorials and wildlife flourish." - Highgate Cemetery Website

I had been wanting to visit the cemetery since I moved to London but had never found the time or someone willing to come with me. The cemetery is split into east and west, the west is the oldest section, originally opening in 1839.

We found out that the new Fantastic Beasts movie had filmed in the cemetery and even features in the trailer. I myself had thought it'd be a beautiful location to shoot a film or even replicate.

We decided to sit and draw some of the statues in the east cemetery and it really did feel peaceful there. I found the history of the cemetery and some of the people within it fascinating.

Work Experience

I did work experience for a film called The Appointment. I was helping make props out of mostly recycled material for a cabinet of curiosity style room.

Serbian Dogs: I helped Dan create these two dog creatures from his design.

I also did various other odd jobs such as stitching up horns and wrapping PVC pipes.

I enjoyed this work experience a lot and hopefully, I'll be able to help set dress further down the line for this production.

Leighton House

Open House London gives the public access to buildings in London for free that might not be accessible otherwise, and takes place on a weekend in late September.
Dan and I went to Leighton House in Kennington.

"Originally the studio home of Lord Leighton, President of the Royal Academy, the house is one of the most remarkable buildings of 19C. The museum houses an outstanding collection of high Victorian art, including works by Leighton himself." - from the Leighton House Museum website

Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take photographs but there are enough reference photos online.

This will be a great resource when designing sets from this period.