A COLLECTION of original photographs taken from the 1944 Laurence Oliver film Henry V are to go on show in Newport – more than 20 years after they were discovered in an attic.

Newport Councillor Charles Ferris came across the scrapbook of photographs while he was helping clear out the house of a friend’s late uncle who had died in the early 1990s.

The photos, which depict medieval Britain as portrayed in the film, will be displayed as part of commemorations of the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt, organised by Friends of the Newport Ship.

The Friends will be showing two versions of Shakespeare play Henry V, which is often hailed as the most famous cultural portrayal of the medieval battle.

Cllr Ferris’ acquired collection is made up of lobby photographs – pictures that are displayed in cinemas – and publicity posters of stills from the classic film based on the Shakespearean play.

He said he found the pictures “very useful”, even inspiring a 3D diorama of medieval Newport which was completed in November last year and is now on display at the University of South Wales. The 3D model shows how Newport would have looked more than 500 years ago.

The pictures have now been loaned to volunteer organisation Friends of the Newport Ship, which will display the pictures ahead of two viewings of different Henry V versions at the Riverfront Theatre this summer.

The viewings are to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 and the part Welsh troops played in the famous battle.

Cllr Ferris said: “The photographs have stood me in good stead down the years.

“Uncle Hubert was the name of the man who collected them. His hobby was with all things medieval in the pre-gunpowder age and over the years had amassed this wonderful, large collection of film stills.

“I bought them from my friend as I like Henry V and medieval things and I have always admired the artistry of the photos, and the time and effort Uncle Hubert must have put into collecting them.

“Henry V is a very stirring, patriotic play.”

The Battle of Agincourt commemoration has been supported by funders including Brecon Beacon National Park, Brecon Town Council, Monmouthshire County Council, Powys County Council and the Welsh Government.

The 1944 version will be shown at the Riverfront Theatre in Newport on June 11 at 7.45pm. The later 1989 version, directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh, will be shown on July 17 at 7.45pm.