Cultural Heritage Filmmaking: Preserving Craftsmanship by Filming Millwright Jon McGuinness in Cumbria
Cultural heritage filmmaking is at the heart of my creative practice here in Newcastle.
Recently, I had the opportunity to produce a short documentary for Cultura that perfectly captures what cultural heritage filmmaking means to me, focusing on millwright Jon McGuinness—a craftsman whose expertise helps keep our industrial and cultural heritage alive. The film was shot entirely on location in Cumbria, where Jon’s latest restoration work was taking place.
As someone passionate about cultural heritage filmmaking, I believe it’s essential to document not just the practical processes behind traditional crafts, but also the human stories and dedication that sustain them. Jon McGuinness is one of the few remaining millwrights in the UK, specialising in restoring and maintaining historic windmills and watermills. His work blends engineering, carpentry, problem-solving, and a deep, intuitive understanding of machinery that has been spinning and grinding for centuries.
Filming Jon in Cumbria was a privilege and an excellent example of why cultural heritage filmmaking matters so much. From the first day on location, I was struck by the unique atmosphere of the mill workshop. The scent of timber shavings mixed with engine oil, the gentle rhythm of wooden cogs turning, and the creak of ancient machinery created an immersive world that I wanted to capture on film. For me, cultural heritage filmmaking is about more than simply recording what happens—it’s about giving viewers an experience that engages the senses and the emotions.
One of the joys of cultural heritage filmmaking is balancing careful observation with meaningful interaction. I always aim to stay discreet, allowing moments to unfold naturally, but I also engage my subjects in conversation to draw out personal reflections and fascinating insights. Jon was generous with his time and knowledge. He shared stories about the individuality of each mill, explaining how even minor changes in repairs can impact the entire mechanism’s balance and function. His respect for traditional techniques was evident in every precise cut of timber and every careful measurement.
Visually, I wanted the film to reflect the texture and beauty inherent in Jon’s craft. Close-up shots of chisels, timber joints, and gears moving under natural light helped build an intimate portrait of his meticulous work. Wider shots of towering sails against the Cumbrian sky reminded me how mills were once landmarks that shaped entire communities, not merely functional buildings. These choices are central to cultural heritage filmmaking, which aims to create not just documentation but a compelling visual and emotional narrative.
Projects like this reaffirm my love for cultural heritage filmmaking here in Newcastle. Traditional crafts connect us to our history, culture, and the ingenuity of those who came before us. People like Jon McGuinness hold knowledge that, if not documented, risks being lost forever. Through filmmaking, I hope to help preserve not just the methods but the spirit of these crafts and the individuals dedicated to keeping them alive.
This film about Jon McGuinness is part of my broader body of work exploring heritage, craftspeople, and the powerful stories behind cultural preservation. Over the years, I’ve documented artists, makers, historians, and communities whose skills and knowledge shape our understanding of the past and inspire the future. My approach to cultural heritage filmmaking is driven by a desire to create films that connect audiences to the textures, sounds, and human experiences behind traditional crafts and places.
If you’re interested in cultural heritage filmmaking, or if you’d like to see more of my approach to capturing traditional crafts on film, you can explore my other heritage films on my website here or browse my full range of films about artists and artworks and landscape films that reflect my passion for storytelling through visual imagery.
If you’d like to watch more of my work exploring community stories, creative resilience, and diverse subjects across arts, heritage, and the environment, you can explore all my films here: https://alanfentiman.co.uk/films-by-alan-fentiman/