Event date: 16 January 2025
Review by Danusia Wurm

Audience at the Mike Toll Film Archive screening, Blake Studio

“What a superb evening we shared last night”

The first of ncas’ 2025 events kicked off with wonderful evening held in association with Norwich 20 Group, screening films on Bernard Reynolds, Kathleen MacFarlane and Brüer Tidman from the Mike Toll Film Archive.

Mike was a practising artist and inspirational teacher who was passionate about furthering the arts in Norfolk. A member of Norwich 20 Group – where he was twice Chairman – he was instrumental in setting up the Contact Gallery in Norwich which provided exhibition space for local artists. On retirement, he threw himself with renewed energy into making films of different local artists’ practice. After his death in 2018, ncas and Norwich 20 Group transferred Mike’s VHS tapes into a more usable digital format. They now form part of the Norwich City Archives.

Although the films were mostly made in the 1980s and 1990s, they remain remarkably fresh reflecting the passion, work ethic and intellect of all three artists. Mike cleverly allowed ample space for them to tell their stories, supporting the narrative with well-researched stills and other film material.

The films were prefaced with superb vignettes of each artist by Keith Roberts former ncas Chairman.

Given the very positive audience reaction to the evening, we hope to screen other films from the Mike Toll Archive later in the year.

Watch this space for details!