Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Christopher Budd in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!

The Arts Society at Firstsite is an organisation about connecting people who have a passion for art.

TASAF is part of a global network of local societies, which bring people together through shared curiosity for the arts. You can learn more about it here. 

We offer a series of 10 talks* from accredited lecturers based around the UK. Lectures take place throughout the year from September to June on the third Tuesday of each month. 

Find out more about TASAF here.

Session Program 

The Sound of Silents (Lecture by Christopher Budd)

Silent films were anything but.

The popular image of flickering black-and-white movies – accompanied by a tinny piano struggling to drown out the clanking projector – has concealed the real truth of a complex and sophisticated side of the fledgling film industry.

With clips from Teddy at the Throttle (1917, Clarence G Badger), The Last Laugh (1924, F. W. Murnau) and more, spend an hour with writer, teacher, composer, and silent film lover Christopher Budd exploring the creative work of musicians and composers in the silent era.

About the Lecturer

Christopher Budd is a writer, teacher, and musician, with a specialism in music for film.

His research interests range from silent cinema to electronic music via Hollywood from the studio system to the experimental ’70s, and British and European film and music of the 1960s and 70s, as well as special effects, movie posters, and fashion on film.

He lectures for various community arts and adult learning organisations including The WEA, U3A, many local groups within the Cambridge Alliance of Lifelong Learners, and further afield including the French and Italian film clubs at the Letchworth Settlement and the Kings Lynn Film Festival.

Christopher has written on diverse topics for publications including EMC Media Magazine, Music Teacher, Classical Music, Bass Guitar Magazine, and US record-collecting bible Goldmine, and contributes regularly to music magazine Shindig!, penning a monthly column on album covers.

He also teaches private instrumental lessons and records as a session musician.

Visit the Firstsite Café before or after TASAF Lecture Series session! 

Our cafés offer a wide selection of delicious snacks, cakes and light meals, along with hot and cold drinks which can be purchased to enjoy.

Find out more about our menus here 

*This price is the set fee paid by all members irrespective of the date they join the society.