Art & HueLondon Film Fair: Meeting Cleo & Cyd
A highlight of the event is being able to meet stars of film & television, there to autograph photographs as well as the opportunity to have your picture taken with them.
Each event welcomes a different roster of familiar faces and April saw Carry-On royalty Amanda Barrie in attendance (Amanda starred in “Carry On Cleo” and “Carry On Cabby“), with Sherrie Hewson (of “Benidorm”, “Carry On Behind”, and “The Slipper & the Rose” with Margaret Lockwood), Hi-de-Hi actor Jeffrey Holland (who first appeared on screen in “Dixon of Dock Green“), “Eastenders” actor John Altman, and the prolific Clive Francis who has appeared in “Villain” with Richard Burton & John Hallam, and “A Clockwork Orange” with Patrick Magee & David Prowse, to name just a couple of his many credits – and to name just a handful of attending guests.
The Avengers‘ stunt queen Cyd Child was one of the guests at the event, there to autograph photographs and her book, a fascinating autobiography of an incredible life. Cyd doubled for Diana Rigg‘s stunts in the colour Emma Peel episodes of The Avengers, as well as for Linda Thorson as Tara King. Cyd was also the fight arranger on the first series of “The New Avengers” and would occasionally perform Purdey‘s stunts when deemed too risky for Joanna Lumley. Last November, Cyd attended the launch event of the impressive 4k UHD restoration of the cult 70s spy show, details here.
Considering it was the first such convention that Cyd has taken part in, it was lovely to see her engaging with attendees, putting any nervous visitors at ease, and happily signing autographs on photos and memorabilia.
There will be another feature coming soon to take a look at Cyd’s great book, which is packed full of many images from her personal collection which had never been seen before publication. Subscribe to the mailing list to be updated when the feature on “Judo, The Avengers & Me” is online.
In the meantime, Cyd’s compelling autobiography is available via Amazon. Here’s an image of the pioneering trailblazer at the London Film Fair with her captivating memoir:
Art & Hue attended the film fair to catch up with Cyd Child specifically – more on meeting the lovely Cyd in the future feature – but once it was spotted that Amanda Barrie was on the bill of special guests, it would have felt churlish not to turn up with a print of the classic comedy “Carry On Cleo“, from the Carry On collection.
It was a pleasure to see Amanda’s delight when she first looked at it, and a wonderful surprise to hear that she’d seen the print before – and had wanted one! The fact that Cleo herself was even aware of the pop art print is exhilarating enough, but to learn she’d actually wanted it? Beyond thrilling.
Here’s the charming Amanda Barrie, gamely recreating the pose from the film with the Carry On Cleo pop art print (in A4 size & Blush Pink):
Originally established in 1973 by Ed Mason as the Collector’s Film Convention, the event is now known as the London Film Fair and organised by Paul Jones.
Easily accessible from nearby Tube stations, including Russell Square, Tottenham Court Road and Euston Square, there are three more upcoming events in 2026 at the Royal National Hotel, with the next in July.
The 19th of July event has already confirmed guests including Susan Hampshire and Lois Daine (who appeared in “Hell is a City” with Stanley Baker, and Brian Clemens‘ production of “Captain Kronos; Vampire Hunter”) with more to be added.
The London Film Fair brings together dealers from across the UK, and the world, that specialise in vintage and modern film memorabilia, including stills, posters, programmes, magazines, books, lobby cards, DVDs, soundtracks and much more.
There are also events taking place in September and November, with guests to be added nearer the time – Bond-girl and Hammer-queen Caroline Munro is confirmed for November.
You can pre-book tickets to attend, as well as reserve your slot to have a photo taken with one of the attending guests, online via the London Film Fair’s website.
