Stylish pop art inspired by the classic Ealing comedy The Lavender Hill Mob

 
As part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of Ealing Comedies this year, Art & Hue presents “The Lavender Hill Mob”, a new collection of stylish pop art inspired by the classic Ealing comedy crime caper.

“The Lavender Hill Mob” follows the story of Henry Holland, portrayed by Alec Guinness, a bank clerk bored with his mundane life, who hatches a plan to steal gold bullion from his own bank.

With the help of his friend Alfred Pendlebury (Stanley Holloway), they conspire to melt down the gold and smuggle it abroad to Paris.

However, their seemingly foolproof scheme takes unexpected turns, leading to comedic misadventures as they navigate close calls and unforeseen complications, all while trying to outsmart the authorities.

With witty dialogue and memorable performances, the film embodies the classic charm of Ealing Studios comedies, anchored by Alec Guinness’s portrayal of the mild-mannered protagonist turned criminal mastermind.

Whilst initially working on “Pool of London“, the writer T.E.B. Clarke reportedly got the idea for “The Lavender Hill Mob” and consulted with the Bank of England to plot the daring heist.

On the 28th of June in 1951, “The Lavender Hill Mob” opened at the Marble Arch Odeon cinema in London with a charity premiere, and proved to be a critical & box office success.

The film also features Sid James, Meredith Edwards, John Gregson, Alfie Bass, Sydney Tafler, and a brief appearance by Audrey Hepburn before she became an international star. The following year she was cast in “Secret People” which led to her successful screen test for “Roman Holiday“.