The Grand Budapest Hotel – Open-Air Cinema by Wild Rumpus for Bradford 2025 City of Culture

In August, I was commissioned by Wild Rumpus to design and build a series of set pieces for a magical open-air cinema screening of Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel. Set against the stunning backdrop of Thornton Viaduct, the evening was transformed into a whimsical world of bellhops, brass bands, and beautifully crafted props that brought the film to life.

My role was to create three cable cars and the front of a steam train—no small feat, but an absolute joy to design. I studied the original film frames closely to build ¼ scale replicas of the cable cars, incorporating Anderson’s signature pastel palette with a playful twist of my own. Using plywood, correx, and spray paints, I captured that quirky cinematic charm in every detail.

The steam train was another highlight—crafted from plywood and an assortment of found treasures including a hubcap, drainpipe, and parts from an old amp. Despite the quick turnaround, I was thrilled with how it all came together—especially when night fell and the whole scene glowed to life under the lights.