The French Dispatch Exhibition of sets, models, costumes in props in London - Part 1...

After two years and a global pandemic, I finally made it back to the U.K. to check in on family and friends, and whilst there I was also able to take in The French Dispatch pop-up exhibition at 180 Studios on the Strand in London to help promote and celebrate the theatrical release of Wes Anderson's unique new anthology film. The movie is set at a French outpost of an American newspaper (The Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun) in the late 1960s, inspired by the early days of The New Yorker magazine. Featuring a collection of stories, this selection of screen-used sets, costumes, models and props are predominantly from 'The Cycling Reporter'.

The French Dispatch Exhibition in London

The French Dispatch offices can be found in the fictional town of Ennui-sur-Blasé, a Parisian-like place.

Ennui-sur-Blasé town model from The French Dispatch

'Herbsaint Sazerac' (played by Owen Wilson) takes viewers on a cycling tour of the neighbourhood. The cycling writer character is inspired in part by Joseph Mitchell, Luc Sante and street photographer Bill Cunningham.

Herbsaint Sazerac costume worn by Owen Wilson

in The French Dispatch

In the movie Bill Murray plays the founder and Editor of The French Dispatch, 'Arthur Howitzer, Jr.', inspired by The New Yorker editors Harold Ross and William Shawn.

The French Dispatch movie poster

Editor Arthur Horowitz, Jr. costume worn Bill Murray

in The French Dispatch

In the film Jeffrey Wright plays 'Roebuck Wright', a food and social journalist with a typographic memory, inspired by James Baldwin, A.J. Liebling and Tennessee Williams.

Roebuck Wright costume worn by Jeffrey Wright

and Lucinda Krementz costume worn by Frances McDormand

in The French Dispatch

Frances McDormand plays and American journalist named 'Lucinda Krementz', inspired by short story writer Mavis Gallant, who is writing a profile on student revolutionaries.

Hermes Jones costume worn by Jason Schwartzman

in The French Dispatch

Jason Schwartzman plays 'Hermes Jones', a cartoonist and member of The French Dispatch staff.

Milena Canonero was Costumer Designer on the movie and you can also see her Oscar-winning costumes from The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Screen-used models and props from The French Dispatch

Here are more examples of miniature models, props and set dressing from the movie featured within the exhibition, and stay tuned for more to come.

If you're a fan of Wes Anderson movies, you can also this model of The Grand Budapest Hotel, these Moonrise Kingdom costumes and props and these stop-motion animation puppets and set from Fantastic Mr. Fox.

I visited the dedicated movie exhibition (which requires a pre-booked ticket) on October 26, and it runs until November 14, 2021.

As you exit the temporary exhibition for the new film, you can also enjoy the French delights of Le San Blague Cafe to make your visit even more of a treat.

 

The French Dispatch movie billboard