As one of Historic England’s few trusted video suppliers, Bonfire Films was commissioned to tell the story of Mary Beale - a pioneering and self taught portrait painter who built a hugely successful career while balancing family life and the expectations of 17th-century society.

Bringing an extraordinary artist into focus, the film explores Beale’s life, work and determination to make her own way during such tumultuous times. Our film explores the historical backdrop, whilst foregrounding the distinctly human side of Mary’s family, creativity, ambition and the challenges she faced. and overcame, as a female artist.

We loved working with Historic England and Philip Mould to bring her story to a wider audience - combining documentary storytelling whilst reevaluating an almost forgotten figure in British art, and so did our viewers across youtube and instagram.