In 1994 I made a 30’ television programme with Laurie Lee and interviewed Laurie extensively about his life in the Slad Valley and the influence of the landscapes and memories of his childhood on his subsequent writing. The interviews are an important record, Laurie did not ‘do’ television and the recordings I made are therefore unusual, if not unique. 

In the session I will introduce the recordings and explore what they tell us about Laurie Lee and the various inspirations that shaped his writing style and content. I will also talk about how I made the film, how I edited and published the recordings (with sound clips) and show the 30 minute film.

Black and white photographs, © Chris Chapman