The Draughtsmans Contract (1982)

Anthony Higgins in costume staring at the camera in front of a field

Anthony Higgins as Mr Neville in The Draughtsman’s Contract © BFI

Writer/Director: Peter Greenaway

Stars: Anthony Higgins, Janet Suzman and Dave Hill

Production Company: British Film Institute (BFI), Channel Four Television

Kent Filming Locations: Groombridge Place

Set in the 17th Century, The Draughtsman’s Contact focuses on the contract between Mr Neville (Anthony Higgins) and Mrs Herbert (Janet Suzman) to paint a picture of her husband’s estate. As part of Neville’s preparation for his masterpiece, he dresses the house with sculptures and then instructs the household not to move any objects. But when the statues in the house suddenly start to move about and even shift shape, the very particular Mr Neville becomes increasingly upset.

Janet Suzman as Mrs Herbert standing in a garden with an umbrella facing away from a man who has his back to the camera

Janet Suzman as Mrs Herbert © BFI

The plot is further complicated when Mr Herbert (Dave Hill) is found dead and it is discovered that Mr Neville’s paintings inescapably point towards his having been murdered. The (mis-en-)scene is set for mystery, intrigue and blackmail.

Although the film alludes to the Herbert house being located in Wiltshire, The Draughtman’s Contract was actually filmed at Groombridge Place near Tunbridge Wells.

One of the formal gardens at Groombridge used in the film has been renamed in commemoration of the filming: The Draughtman’s Lawn boasts beautiful primroses in the spring and striking ornamental trees in the summer.

Groombridge Place Gardens and Enchanted Forest is open from spring until early November but the house itself is not open to the public. It has previously been used as a film location by Pride and Prejudice (2005).

The Draughtsmans Contract was released in cinemas in 1982 and is now available to buy on DVD.

 

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.