Rust and Dust: The Secret Life of a Land Rover

Guest Writer: CHRISTOPHER FROST, Journalist and Photographer

Photos: CHRISTOPHER FROST, GAIL-SPALDING FROST, CARON-JANE LYON, LAMAR FRANCOIS

A little bit of Italy came to Beeston tonight in the form of author and artist Roberto Alborghetti, who was in town for the world premiere of his latest mini movie called ‘Land Rover Mapping’. And like his last film ‘The Ghost Bus’, it features one of Barton’s vintage vehicles.

It was screened at the Chilwell Arts Centre, in front of an appreciative audience, including the Sheriff of Nottingham, the Mayor of Broxtowe and the Bishop of Nottingham. Also in attendance was celebrity butcher Johnny Pusztai, and several members of the Barton family. The event had been organised by Marysia Zipser of Beeston’s ACT (Art, Culture, Tourism) organisation.

Six short films were screened altogether, including the original Ghost Bus film, which had also received its world premiere in Beeston during February 2015 at the former Barton’s bus depot. This event also included seeing the actual bus itself, which had been illuminated in a spooky fashion to extol its ghostlike appearance, as it had lain rotting away in a farmer’s field in Suffolk for some 20+ years.

‘Land Rover Mapping’ is a 14-minute film, which continues the theme of macro photography; showing up the rust, scratches and imperfections of the vehicle that was built in 1955 and has been owned by the Barton family for at least forty years.

Roberto is just on a flying visit to Beeston, as he returns to Italy on Saturday, to continue with the launch of his latest book about Pope Francis.