Hidden images of Pinewood wartime filmmaking released
Hidden images of wartime filmmaking released
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Alex Pope
BBC News, Buckinghamshire
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Historic England Archive
Historic England Archive
Two Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) trainees practised photography while wearing gas masks to simulate working under active service conditions
Rare behind-the-scenes images taken at a film studio during World War Two have been released.
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Historic England has published the collection put together by Dorothy "Knicky" Chapman.
She was posted to Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire when it was the central hub of military filmmaking.
The "remarkable collection" of more than 150 photographs captures the "perspective of a woman wartime photographer", Historic England said.
Its chief executive Duncan Wilson said he hoped it would preserve the photos "as an important part of our national heritage".
Historic England Archive
WAAF Sgt Dorothy Knapman - also known as Knicky - put together the collection
During the war, Pinewood Studios was the base for government film units, including the RAF Film Production Unit and the Army Film and Photographic Unit.
The studios were known as RAF Iver Heath at the time.
Sgt Chapman assisted in the production of military films, such as The Big Pack and Operational Height.
She also worked alongside a young Richard Attenborough.
The films were "crucial for maintaining public morale during wartime", Historic England said.
The collection also reveals the little-known story of the contributions of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) to photography and reconnaissance during the conflict.
"The collection sheds light on the comprehensive training programme at the school, where WAAF recruits were schooled in all aspects of photography, particularly in the use of air cameras," Historic England said.
"The images show women learning how to process films in mobile darkrooms, plotting aerial photographs and simulating work under active service conditions."
Historic England Archive
Members of the WAAF, in military uniform, posed with their cameras outside the RAF's No. 2 School of Photography
Mr Wilson added: "We hope to honour the contributions of these women photographers and filmmakers to the war effort, preserving their stories as an important part of our national heritage."
David Conway, chief executive officer at Pinewood Group, said: "Knicky Chapman's collection provides a fascinating glimpse into the legacy of Pinewood Studios and brings the pioneering role of women to the forefront."
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