London Film School has announced that it has been awarded a major charitable donation of £1 million to support bursaries for future generations of filmmakers.
The gift arises from the estate of the late Sir Kenneth Adam, the legendary British production designer, and his wife, Lady Letizia Adam.
The donation has been organised by Sir Christopher Frayling, the distinguished film historian, broadcaster and former Rector of the Royal College of Art, who is trustee to the Adam estate.
The donation was announced to students on the evening of 1 July by Greg Dyke, chair of the London Film School Board of Governors, and Sir Christopher during a special edition of the School’s Conversations With series.
The event featured a talk by Sir Christopher on the life and work of Sir Kenneth Adam, preceded by a screening of Stanley Kubrick’s classic Dr Strangelove, one of the designer’s most celebrated achievements.
“The £1 million gift will establish a significant new source of bursary support, helping talented UK production designers from a wide range of backgrounds to pursue their studies at London Film School,” LFS said.
Sir Kenneth Adam remains one of the most influential figures in the history of cinema production design.
A double Academy Award winner, he received Oscars for his work on Barry Lyndon and The Madness of King George.
His career spanned more than half a century and included collaborations with some of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th century.
Among his most celebrated achievements were the iconic sets and visual concepts he created for Dr Strangelove and for most of the early James Bond films, from Dr No to Moonraker, and his distinctive aesthetic helped define the series for generations of audiences.
His extensive body of work also included Jacques Tourneur’s Night of the Demon, The Ipcress File, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Spy Who Loved Me.
“Sir Kenneth’s personal story was as extraordinary as his professional achievements,” LFS continued.
“Born and raised in Germany, he was sent by his parents to safety in Scotland before the outbreak of the Second World War.
“He subsequently became one of only three German-born pilots to serve in the Royal Air Force during the conflict, flying combat missions in defence of his adopted country.”
Dyke said: “This is a transformative gift for London Film School and for the students who will benefit from it in the years ahead.
“Sir Kenneth Adam’s life and career represent the very highest achievements in film artistry and innovation. We are honoured that Sir Kenneth and Lady Letizia’s legacy will help talented filmmakers realise their potential, regardless of financial circumstances.”
Frayling added: “Ken Adam believed passionately in the future of cinema and in nurturing creative talent.
“The trustees are delighted that this legacy will support aspiring production designers studying at London Film School.
“Ken’s own life journey – from refugee to war hero to one of the most influential production designers in cinema history – was extraordinary, and we believe this bursary fund is a fitting tribute to both Ken and Letizia’s commitment to the arts and to future generations.”
