This month, London’s female-led, multidisciplinary Cob Gallery will show Merrily We Go To Hell, a 1932 Hollywood film born during cinema’s legendary pre-code era.  The film will be screened as an apt celebration of the space’s current campaign to create the first full catalogue of works by artist Nina Mae Fowler.    

With a sensational plot, dramatic and alluring cinematography, and an audacious femme fatale (played by Sylvia Sidney and opposite Fredric March and a young Cary Grant), the film exemplifies the themes explored by Nina in her celebrated drawings. Directed by Dorothy Arzner, it also represents the controversial work of one of the era’s few female directors, fitting both the gallery’s feminist approach to art and the artist’s interest in striking female portrayals.  

The screening will take place on 22 February at 5:30 pm and will be followed by a discussion panel lead by film historian and theorist Dr. Margherita Sprio in conversation with Nina Fowler, Hamish McAlpine, Katie McCrory and Sam Ashby. 

Don’t miss this cinematic celebration, and be sure to check out the gallery’s crowdfunding campaign to support the cause!