Art Work Exeter presents: The Real Onedin Line

In 1976 the BBC drama The Onedin Line used Exeter Quay as one of its settings. Although the series was about the international shipping trade in Liverpool in the 1860s, key scenes were shot in front of the then unrenovated warehouses, the Prospect Inn, the Canal Basin and on Colleton Crescent. Many people remember the area’s temporary transformation by the film team, and some appeared as extras.

You can get involved in AWE’s exciting new project in two ways:  between 8th-11th September artist Richard DeDomenici will work with local volunteers to make an Onedin Line Redux! A low-budget, DIY remake of scenes from the series that were originally shot on the quay. The resulting short film will be shared at a screening in the Transit Shed on 23rd September. Were you involved in or do you remember the original shoot? AWE are also collecting local people’s memories and memorabilia of both the film shoot and the wider quayside during the 60s, 70s and 80s to share in an exhibition in the Custom House opening on 8th September.

If you or anyone you know would like to be a performer in the Onedin Line Redux, or if have memories or memorabilia that Art Work Exeter can collect and display – please get in touch as soon as you can at realonedinline@gmail.com

Photo credit: Exeter Quay warehouses being used as a backdrop during the filming of the original series. Photo Alan Saunders courtesy of Devon Live.