Andrew Kelly

Looking forward to reading this book when it’s out. Congratulations Pamela Hutchinson.

I must be the last person in the world not to have seen Slow Horses!

Third set of concept drawings for Bristol Harbourside development. The project didn’t turn out like this but some things worked. 3/3:

Second set of concept drawings for Bristol Harbourside development circa 1995 2/3:

One of the biggest projects I worked on was Bristol Harbourside. I’m writing a longer piece reflecting on what worked and didn’t work, the politics and challenges, as well as its history. Here’s the original concept drawings for proposals including a new concert hall, At-Bristol and squares. 1/3:

YouTube video by Sky TV Under Salt Marsh | Official Trailer | Sky

2026 Watching 56: Under Salt Marsh. Superior TV series. A small coastal community tries to solve two murders and battle past traumas and failures, a waste disposal scandal and the elements as a storm approaches and sea walls fail. It develops slowly but stick with it. Good to see Jonathan Pryce.

YouTube video by Searchlight Pictures UK The Testament of Ann Lee | Official Teaser Trailer

2026 Watching 55: The Testament of Ann Lee. Strange film, not uninteresting, about Shakers in Manchester and America. The music and dance works at first but pales after a while. The most weird cinema visit so far of 2026 and I doubt it will be beaten. Just two believers left now as credits note.

Slapstick Festival is proud to announce that the 2026 Legacy Medal has been awarded to physical comedian and filmmaker Mulindua Freddie, a passionate contemporary champion of silent screen comedy working in Uganda.

The Bristol Archive, alas, does not do clothing. They do have 200 boxes of our paper material and gigabits of digital material so it’s a terrific collection and will be available for use soon. But what should I do with this nice jacket?

Hoping to do series of events next year on the crisis 20 years on and lessons for now and the future. Perhaps as part of Festival of Economics.

Two New Documentaries Are Haunted by Unsettling Natural Wonders Gianfranco Rosi’s “Pompei: Below the Clouds” and Werner Herzog’s “Ghost Elephants” offer thrilling but troubled visions of a world in environmental flux.

‘Best to see “Pompei: Below the Clouds” on the biggest screen you can, while you can, before the theatres of today become the ruins of tomorrow.’

Hope to include this in a forthcoming Future City Film Festival season on Naples.

The legendary Bristol 2008 bid jacket, found in the loft after 23 years. Donating this to the archive.

2026 Watching #54: Arthur & George. Pedestrian adaptation of Julian Barnes fine book. My advice: read the book. And do come and see Julian Barnes 16 March at Toppings Bath. I’m looking forward very much to interviewing him. A few tickets left.
www.toppingbooks.co.uk/events/bath/...

Watching the TV series Arthur & George based on the Julian Barnes novel. As usual the automatic subtitles are risible. The news vendor shouts ‘assassination attempt on Spanish [something]’. The subtitle talks about the Spice Girls.

Tech legend Stewart Brand on Musk, Bezos and his extraordinary life: ‘We don’t need to passively accept our fate’ He was at the heart of 1960s counterculture, then paved the way for the libertarian mindset of Silicon Valley. At 87, Brand is still keen to ensure the world is maintained properly – not just today, b...

One of the most interesting writers of the last 60 years and a pleasure to host in our festival. Remarkable career with more to come. His new focus on maintenance is very welcome. Look forward especially to his work on maintenance and cities, which has been a long-standing interest.

Joseph Wright of Derby (1734-1797)
Self-Portrait in a Black Feathered Hat
about 1770-73

In National Gallery exhibition: Wright of Derby: From the Shadows.

For background on this film, this is useful: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/20/m...

2026 Watching #53: Summer of Rockets. Continuing Poliakoff season with this partly-autobiographical account of spies, family trauma, nuclear fear and race in late 1950s Britain. Ending not as strong as rest of series but overall good watching. Not available on iPlayer like some of Poliakoff’s work.

YouTube video by LionsgateFilmsUK Wasteman - Official Trailer

2026 Watching #52: Wasteman. Well acted and made but this is a bleak watch.

YouTube video by NEON EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert - Official Trailer - In Theaters Worldwide February 27

2026 Watching #51: EPiC. This is a terrific way to spend 100 minutes - and make this at the cinema. Wonderful work.

Picked up in library yesterday. I remember being captivated by Verne as a young teenager and have read and reread some of his books since. But not this one. Looking forward to it.

These automated subtitles on Prime are interesting. These refer to the sound of a wood pigeon.

YouTube video by Prime Video STEAL - Official Trailer | Prime Video

2026 Watching #50: Steal. A fine binge watch, a gripping heist, though I found it implausible at the end.

2026 Exhibitions #8: Wright of Derby - From the Shadows. Small but perfectly formed National Gallery exhibition.

2026 Watching #49: Perfect Strangers. Another iPlayer treat from the past. Written and directed by Stephen Poliakoff this family reunion revives lost memories and trauma. Stellar cast includes first major role for Matthew Macfadyen. www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...

Elvis in IMAX: How Newly Found Footage Became an Immersive Documentary

Archives in salt mine, bootleg audio and no AI - looking forward to seeing this new film on Friday.

How a New Yorker Put Poetry on the London Underground

Justifiable coverage and praise for Judith Chernaik for four decades of poetry on the underground. I can still recall the delight when I read a poem on the tube for the first time and continue to read them all with pleasure and learning.

YouTube video by A24 If I Had Legs I'd Kick You | Official Trailer HD | A24

2026 Watching #48: If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. Intense, anxiety-inducing film with a strong central performance.

I didn’t. I heard good things from others too.

2026 Watching #47: Shooting the Past. Catching-up/ rewatching classic BBC television films and series thanks to iPlayer. Somehow missed this first time round but what a treat. Just three episodes but classic example of a ‘slow’ BBC film series where plot and characters were able to develop. Superb.