The 120th Year celebration of Brian Desmond Hurst

The Strand Arts Centre in East Belfast is hosting an exhibition for the month of February in honour of Belfast born film director and writer Brian Desmond Hurst. The 120th year celebration of Brian Desmond Hurst is in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Arts in the 20th century.

Brian Desmond Hurst

Brian Desmond Hurst Celebrations Hurst was born less than a mile away from The Strand Arts Centre on the 12^th February 1895. In the 1920s, after serving in World War 1, Hurst immigrated to Canada. He studied art there for two years, as well as in France, before moving to Hollywood. It wasn’t long before he rose from set artwork to film production and, thanks to his lifelong friendship with John Ford, he learnt the craft of movie making.

He moved to London in 1933 and remained there until his death at the age of 89. Having directed over 30 films, Hurst was to become one of Ireland’s most prolific film directors. He is probably best known for the Christmas classic Scrooge (also known as A Christmas Carol) and he also directed several Irish based films including, Riders of the Sea, Ourselves Alone and Irish Hearts.

The Strand Arts Centre

Strand Arts Centre, Belfast The Strand will be holding various film screenings and talks during February and the Hurst exhibition, curated by Allan Esler Smith will be on display. Belfast has accommodation close to the Strand Arts Centre, with several bed and breakfasts within walking distance. As well as an arts centre, The Strand is also Ireland’s oldest operational cinema showing all the must-see movies of the moment. So why not visit the 120^th year celebration of Brian Desmond Hurst exhibition, catch a movie and then enjoy a leisurely stroll back to your Belfast B&B accommodation?