Burnham Beeches (1909)

This is the first film of Burnham Beeches, famous beauty spot and ultimate film location. Cecil Hepworth's 1909 film is the first of many taken in this tract of ancient woodland. The proximity to film studios - Pinewood, Shepperton and Bray - make this a favoured spot for filming. But before the studios were there, the Hepworth Company produced this extraordinary 'stereo scenic' - intended as a filmic equivalent of Victorian stereo cards. This is one of a series of tourist attractions filmed by Gaston Quiribet in a long panning shot from a car, to suggest the glorious photography and aesthetic experience of stereoscopy. -BFI