Sir Norman Wisdom’s life in film and cinema is being celebrated at an exhibition currently running at the Bourne Hall Museum in Ewell.
The Sir Norman Wisdom Exhibition is a tribute to the iconic actor who passed away in 2010 at the age of 95.
The London-born star was best known for his slapstick comedy films in the 1950s and 1960s – playing the character Norman Pitkin in several of them – and also TV work.
He was also a cult figure in Albania – where his films escaped the censorship of other Western films during the cold war era.
The exhibition that has come to the London for the first time – having previously been in Leicester – includes memorabilia donated by Sir Norman’s son Nick.
It has proved very popular with people of all ages since it opened on October 4 and it will run until March 12, 2007.
“He had a flat in Epsom for many years and he was always happy to stop and talk to people in the street to sign autographs,” said museum curator Jeremy Harte.
In later years his cult status in Albania grew as Sir Norman did charity work for orphanages.
He once famously eclipsed David Beckham on a visit to Albania that coincided with an England World Cup qualifying fixture.
“The Albanians liked his little man persona taking on the big figures,” said Mr Harte.
The exhibition is free to the public and is located at Bourne Hall Museum, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey KT17 1UF.
It is open 9am-6pm, Mon-Sat and is closed on Sunday.
Enquiries for details of events and talks during the exhibition can be emailed to [email protected].
