Esmé Collings

Arthur Albert Collings (1859 – 28 March 1936), known as Esmé Collings, was an English photographer, miniaturist and the first of the loose association of early film pioneers dubbed the Brighton School by French film historian Georges Sadoul. Collings, whose interest in cinematography may have stemmed from his business association with fellow film pioneer William Friese-Greene, was only active in film production for about a year, has left little trace and is, according to film historian Rachael Low, of local importance only.

Biography

Collings was born in Weston-Super-Mare, England sometime late in 1859, with his birth registered in the last quarter of that year. The son of local bootmaker James Collings, he followed his father into the trade, before his artistic ambitions were nurtured by Keturah Anne Beedle, whom he married in 1887.

Around 1887, Collings and his brother James went into partnership with film pioneer William Friese-Greene running two London photographic studios at 69 New Bond Street and 92 Piccadilly. The partnership of Friese Greene & Collings opened a third London studio at 100 Westbourne Grove and a branch at 69 Western Road, Hove, the following year. Friese-Greene's lack of professionalism and perceived financial mismanagement of the business had however resulted in Collings' dissolution of the partnership by the end of that year.

Filmography Date Title Credited as Notes Cinematographer Producer Writer Director 1896 Crowd at Law Court aka Crowds in London Lost actuality. Lord Mayor aka The Lord Mayor's Show aka Arrival of the Lord Mayor in London Lost actuality. 1896 West Street, Brighton aka Street Scene in Brighton Lost actuality. Rough Sea aka The Hove Sea Wall in a Gale aka Ocean Waves in a Storm Lost actuality. King's Road, Brighton aka Brighton Front on a Bank Holiday aka Crowds in Brighton Lost actuality. Boys under Pier aka Boys Scrambling for Pennies under the West Pier, Brighton aka Children Playing in the Sea Extent actuality. Children Paddling aka Children Paddling and Playing on the Sands aka Children on the Beach Extent actuality. Dyke Station aka Train arriving at Dyke Station aka Railroad Scene Lost actuality. 1896 Soldiers Landing aka Soldiers in Portsmouth Lost actuality. Czar in Paris Lost actuality. Czar in Versailles Lost actuality. 1896 Musical Party, Van Biene Lost actuality featuring Auguste van Biene. 1896 aka Theatre Scene Lost romantic drama featuring Auguste van Biene. 1896 Hose Scene aka Comic Scene Lost film. 1896 Donkey Rider Partially extent actuality. 1896 Sailors Gun Drill aka Military Scene Lost actuality. 1896 Do. Cavalry aka English Cavalry in Aldershot Lost actuality. 1896 Policeman and Cook aka Love Scene Lost film. 1896 Bathers on the Beach at Brighton Extent actuality. 1896 Woman Undressing aka A Victorian Lady in Her Boudoir Extent erotic film. 1896 Portsmouth: The Ferry Lost actuality. 1896 Sailors off an English Warship Lost actuality. 1896 Bicycle Rider Lost actuality. 1896 Workers Leaving a Dock Lost actuality. 1896 Street Traffic in London Lost actuality. 1896 Road Race in Gatwick Lost actuality. 1896 London Westminster Bridge Lost actuality. 1896 Street Scene in Portsmouth Lost actuality.