Hammer’s Former Home Historic Bray Studios Being Turned into Luxury Apartments

Steve Barton   |  

Apr 30, 2013

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Here’s some heart-wrenching news for fans of classic Hammer horror films. Turns out the owner of Bray Studios, where the iconic studio filmed many of its most classic films, is looking to turn this once mecca of horror into luxury homes.

According to the UK’s Daily Mail, the owner of Bray Studios in Berkshire, Neville Hendricks, says the iconic location is no longer viable for movie-making – and that he wants to put up to seven executive homes on the site.

But the plan has infuriated big names in the movie business, including Terry Gilliam, director of The Fisher King, and Richard O’Brien, composer and star of The Rocky Horror Picture Show – who are backing a campaign to save the studios. Protesters have set up a Save Bray Studios Facebook page and started an online petition. They claim that the studios are struggling only because show business agent Hendricks, who owns the site near Windsor, has let it run down.

The property provided a backdrop and location for countless Hammer classics – including The Curse of Frankenstein in 1957 and Dracula: Prince of Darkness in 1966.

Simon Oakes, the current chief executive of Hammer Films, now based at Ealing Studios, said: “I would love Bray to survive as it was an important part of the Hammer story. But I was there a couple of years ago and the facilities were pretty dilapidated, even then.”

The development plan was approved last summer, and the campaigners believe demolition work is imminent.

Hey, Hendricks, here’s hoping that the ghost of Peter Cushing rises from the grave to stake your plans Van Helsing style!

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